Canadian Authorities Vigilant as Avian Flu Emerges in U.S. Dairy Cattle
Source: The DairyNews
In response to the unprecedented detection of avian flu in dairy cows across eight U.S. states, Canadian officials are closely monitoring their own dairy farms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in cattle, marking the first instance of avian flu infecting bovines. A dairy worker in Texas, possibly exposed to the virus through contact with infected cattle, was diagnosed with bird flu earlier this month, suggesting potential mammal-to-human transmission.
As of now, no cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canadian cattle, assured the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Although the virus has been detected in both wild and farmed birds, as well as in other mammalian species like domestic dogs, no human cases have emerged in Canada.
Martin Appelt, senior director at CFIA, suggested that H5N1 likely entered U.S. cattle populations through contact with wild birds and poultry, now evolving as an influenza strain.
Since late March, avian influenza cases have emerged in dairy herds across several U.S. states, prompting 17 states to implement restrictions on cattle imports from affected regions, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Although avian flu has long been present in wild bird populations, the current H5N1 strain is particularly contagious and lethal to birds. Recent outbreaks among domestic poultry and other animals, including minks, seals, and sea otters, have escalated since 2022.
Dr. Appelt noted that the infection rate among affected cattle herds in the U.S. is around 10 percent, with most animals showing signs of recovery with supportive care. He cautioned against panic, emphasizing that the situation does not warrant drastic measures.
Canadian consumers need not worry about the virus being present in milk from infected cows in the U.S., as pasteurization effectively eliminates it, Dr. Appelt assured.
Dairy Farmers of Canada emphasized their adherence to rigorous biosecurity standards, ensuring that only milk from healthy animals is authorized for distribution and consumption.
While Canadian dairy farmers receive updates from Dairy Farmers of Canada, concerns linger about animal welfare, consumer perceptions, and economic implications. Farmers like Wietze Dykstra in Woodstock, N.B., rely on support networks like herd veterinarians for guidance.
Under Canada's Health of Animals Act, CFIA holds authority to order the destruction of animals affected by diseases such as avian flu. Farmers registered under AgriStability are eligible for financial assistance during outbreaks, stated Bronwyn Goodman from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Officials nationwide are actively monitoring the situation, with Ontario and Alberta ministries of agriculture collaborating closely with CFIA. Dr. Jeff Wilson, an Ontario veterinarian specializing in avian pathology and dairy cattle epidemiology, underscores the importance of a unified approach involving all stakeholders to effectively address the outbreak and enhance preventive measures.
As of now, no cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canadian cattle, assured the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Although the virus has been detected in both wild and farmed birds, as well as in other mammalian species like domestic dogs, no human cases have emerged in Canada.
Martin Appelt, senior director at CFIA, suggested that H5N1 likely entered U.S. cattle populations through contact with wild birds and poultry, now evolving as an influenza strain.
Since late March, avian influenza cases have emerged in dairy herds across several U.S. states, prompting 17 states to implement restrictions on cattle imports from affected regions, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Although avian flu has long been present in wild bird populations, the current H5N1 strain is particularly contagious and lethal to birds. Recent outbreaks among domestic poultry and other animals, including minks, seals, and sea otters, have escalated since 2022.
Dr. Appelt noted that the infection rate among affected cattle herds in the U.S. is around 10 percent, with most animals showing signs of recovery with supportive care. He cautioned against panic, emphasizing that the situation does not warrant drastic measures.
Canadian consumers need not worry about the virus being present in milk from infected cows in the U.S., as pasteurization effectively eliminates it, Dr. Appelt assured.
Dairy Farmers of Canada emphasized their adherence to rigorous biosecurity standards, ensuring that only milk from healthy animals is authorized for distribution and consumption.
While Canadian dairy farmers receive updates from Dairy Farmers of Canada, concerns linger about animal welfare, consumer perceptions, and economic implications. Farmers like Wietze Dykstra in Woodstock, N.B., rely on support networks like herd veterinarians for guidance.
Under Canada's Health of Animals Act, CFIA holds authority to order the destruction of animals affected by diseases such as avian flu. Farmers registered under AgriStability are eligible for financial assistance during outbreaks, stated Bronwyn Goodman from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Officials nationwide are actively monitoring the situation, with Ontario and Alberta ministries of agriculture collaborating closely with CFIA. Dr. Jeff Wilson, an Ontario veterinarian specializing in avian pathology and dairy cattle epidemiology, underscores the importance of a unified approach involving all stakeholders to effectively address the outbreak and enhance preventive measures.
