Animal Diseases Pose Increasing Threat to Global Dairy Sector

Animal Diseases Impacting Dairy Production

Numerous animal diseases are currently having a profound effect on the production capabilities of the global dairy sector, according to Christophe Lafougere, CEO and dairy director of European consultancy Gira Foods. Lafougere shared his insights during the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s seventh Sustainable Dairy conference.

Threats Highlighted

The conference underscored the growing impact of animal diseases, including recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany and mutations of the Bird Flu virus in the United States. Lafougere noted that the Bird Flu has caused a 30% drop in milk output in California and Texas, resulting in financial losses estimated at US$191 per cow.

European Concerns

Lafougere also discussed the resurgence of Bluetongue variants, which are adversely affecting dairy cow fertility and milk production across Europe. Belgium, in particular, faces empty rates in dairy cows as high as 30% on some farms, which has notably increased costs for farmers and milk processors.

“At farm level, there is the direct impact of the loss in milk production. Moreover, disease prevention measures, like Bluetongue vaccines, come with significant costs as three shots are required for protection,” said Lafougere.

He concluded by urging for stringent measures to prevent Bluetongue’s entry into Ireland.