Canada: Dairy Farmers Alerted to Potential Threat of U.S. Cattle Disease
Source: The DairyNews
Canadian dairy farmers are being cautioned to remain vigilant for signs of a concerning ailment affecting dairy cattle, originating from the United States.
Reports from U.S. dairy producers highlight a significant incidence of Texas Agalactiae Syndrome, with confirmed cases in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico. Particularly at risk are lactating cows.
Symptoms of the syndrome include a reduction in herd milk production, sudden drops in production accompanied by changes in milk consistency, decreased feed intake, abnormal feces, and occasional fever. The duration of symptoms typically spans 10 to 14 days, with the precise cause of the illness still undetermined.
Of note, older cows in mid-lactation appear to be more susceptible to severe impacts compared to younger or recently freshened cows.
While the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) asserts that this is not a foreign animal disease, Canadian authorities are emphasizing farm-level biosecurity measures. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has called for heightened border controls for individuals who have visited U.S. farms.
In response, the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) advise restricting animal movements from U.S. sources and implementing strict quarantine protocols for any imported animals. Producers are urged to promptly report any potential symptoms to local veterinarians and refrain from consuming raw milk if symptoms are observed.
DFC, in collaboration with CFIA, is closely monitoring the situation and pledges to provide updates as necessary.
—Jeff Melchior, contributing to the Alberta Farmer Express
Symptoms of the syndrome include a reduction in herd milk production, sudden drops in production accompanied by changes in milk consistency, decreased feed intake, abnormal feces, and occasional fever. The duration of symptoms typically spans 10 to 14 days, with the precise cause of the illness still undetermined.
Of note, older cows in mid-lactation appear to be more susceptible to severe impacts compared to younger or recently freshened cows.
While the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) asserts that this is not a foreign animal disease, Canadian authorities are emphasizing farm-level biosecurity measures. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has called for heightened border controls for individuals who have visited U.S. farms.
In response, the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) advise restricting animal movements from U.S. sources and implementing strict quarantine protocols for any imported animals. Producers are urged to promptly report any potential symptoms to local veterinarians and refrain from consuming raw milk if symptoms are observed.
DFC, in collaboration with CFIA, is closely monitoring the situation and pledges to provide updates as necessary.
—Jeff Melchior, contributing to the Alberta Farmer Express
