Bird Flu Concerns Loom Over Upcoming World Dairy Expo Amid Rising Infections
Source: DairyNews.today
As the prestigious World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, approaches, organizers are ramping up efforts to prevent a potential outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The event, set for October 1-4, is expected to attract 50,000 visitors and vendors from nearly 100 countries, showcasing approximately 2,500 of the finest dairy cattle from around the globe.
However, the shadow of bird flu looms large over this year’s gathering. Expo organizers announced new rules, enhanced testing, and additional paperwork to ensure the event remains free from the virus. The stakes are high: if a cow tests positive for Influenza A, Wisconsin state authorities have indicated that all cattle on site would be temporarily quarantined, with the possibility of further quarantine measures being implemented. These restrictions could extend beyond the event, affecting cattle as they return to their home states or even crossing into Canada.
The dairy industry is acutely aware of the economic implications of a bird flu outbreak. In 2023, the U.S. dairy sector contributed approximately $800 billion to the economy, with 230 million pounds of raw milk processed into various products like fluid milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, according to the International Dairy Foods Industry Association.
Despite rigorous precautions, bird flu remains a persistent threat. While bird flu has been detected in 191 dairy herds across 13 states, the number of human cases linked to cows remains low, with only 13 reported cases. However, the infection rate among dairy workers has outpaced that of poultry workers, highlighting a significant concern within the industry.
Helena Bottemiller Evich, in her August 23 edition of Food Fix, pointed out that while only one human case of bird flu was reported from poultry in 2022, nine of the 13 most recent human cases have since been linked to poultry. The slow transfer of bird flu from poultry to humans can be attributed to the swift eradication of infected flocks, effectively eliminating the source of the virus. In contrast, the situation in the dairy industry is more complex.
While human cases in dairy workers have generally been mild, there is concern that limited testing may be underreporting the true number of infections. Farmworkers and farmers who are in direct contact with potentially infected animals are at higher risk, yet they face significant disincentives to get tested. Undocumented workers fear job loss, and farmers worry about the economic impact if they cannot sell their milk or cattle.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers voluntary milk testing for bird flu, but participation remains extremely low. Of the approximately 24,000 farms selling milk, only 26 herds, or about 0.1%, are currently participating in the program, according to a recent update by Food Fix. USDA officials, however, maintain that the low participation rate is a sign that the system is functioning as intended—though this assertion is met with skepticism within the industry.
As the World Dairy Expo draws near, the dairy sector faces the dual challenge of showcasing its best while safeguarding against a potentially devastating viral outbreak. The effectiveness of these efforts will be closely watched, both by industry insiders and public health officials.
The dairy industry is acutely aware of the economic implications of a bird flu outbreak. In 2023, the U.S. dairy sector contributed approximately $800 billion to the economy, with 230 million pounds of raw milk processed into various products like fluid milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, according to the International Dairy Foods Industry Association.
Despite rigorous precautions, bird flu remains a persistent threat. While bird flu has been detected in 191 dairy herds across 13 states, the number of human cases linked to cows remains low, with only 13 reported cases. However, the infection rate among dairy workers has outpaced that of poultry workers, highlighting a significant concern within the industry.
Helena Bottemiller Evich, in her August 23 edition of Food Fix, pointed out that while only one human case of bird flu was reported from poultry in 2022, nine of the 13 most recent human cases have since been linked to poultry. The slow transfer of bird flu from poultry to humans can be attributed to the swift eradication of infected flocks, effectively eliminating the source of the virus. In contrast, the situation in the dairy industry is more complex.
While human cases in dairy workers have generally been mild, there is concern that limited testing may be underreporting the true number of infections. Farmworkers and farmers who are in direct contact with potentially infected animals are at higher risk, yet they face significant disincentives to get tested. Undocumented workers fear job loss, and farmers worry about the economic impact if they cannot sell their milk or cattle.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers voluntary milk testing for bird flu, but participation remains extremely low. Of the approximately 24,000 farms selling milk, only 26 herds, or about 0.1%, are currently participating in the program, according to a recent update by Food Fix. USDA officials, however, maintain that the low participation rate is a sign that the system is functioning as intended—though this assertion is met with skepticism within the industry.
As the World Dairy Expo draws near, the dairy sector faces the dual challenge of showcasing its best while safeguarding against a potentially devastating viral outbreak. The effectiveness of these efforts will be closely watched, both by industry insiders and public health officials.
