Pennsylvania Mandates HPAI Testing for Dairy Cows Amid Concerns of Potential Outbreaks
Source: The DairyNews
Pennsylvania has announced mandatory testing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows amid growing concerns over potential future outbreaks, prompted by wild bird migrations.
During a meeting organized by PennAg Industries, Lisa Graybeal, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, reassured stakeholders, stating, "There is no cause for panic" regarding HPAI in dairy cows.
While Pennsylvania has yet to report any positive HPAI cases in dairy farms, neighboring states like Ohio and Michigan have confirmed cases. The state's vigilant approach aims to preemptively address any potential threat to the dairy industry.
According to Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian, the state is drafting a quarantine order mandating testing for all incoming dairy cows from other states, with exceptions only for animals destined for slaughter. The order reflects a proactive effort to safeguard the state's dairy sector from potential outbreaks.
The primary risk factor for HPAI infection in dairy cows is contact with waterfowl and wild birds carrying the disease. Pennsylvania's location along the Atlantic Flyway exacerbates this risk, as demonstrated by the state's past experiences with HPAI outbreaks in poultry.
Dr. Justin Smith, Health Commissioner of Kansas, emphasized the importance of farm-level biosecurity measures and collaboration with veterinarians to mitigate the risk of HPAI transmission among dairy cattle.
Symptoms of HPAI in dairy cows include decreased feed intake, abnormal milk production, and changes in manure consistency. The Center of Dairy Excellence and Cornell Pro-Dairy have provided guidelines for identifying and managing HPAI cases on farms.
To protect against potential outbreaks, dairy farms are advised to implement strict biosecurity protocols, including limiting farm visits, vigilant monitoring of animal health, and reporting any unusual behaviors or wild bird deaths to state health authorities.
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service District 1 has updated its website with maps and resources for HPAI surveillance and biosecurity. Additionally, tools like Bird Cast provide real-time bird migration forecasts to aid in preemptive measures.
Source: USDA
While Pennsylvania has yet to report any positive HPAI cases in dairy farms, neighboring states like Ohio and Michigan have confirmed cases. The state's vigilant approach aims to preemptively address any potential threat to the dairy industry.
According to Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian, the state is drafting a quarantine order mandating testing for all incoming dairy cows from other states, with exceptions only for animals destined for slaughter. The order reflects a proactive effort to safeguard the state's dairy sector from potential outbreaks.
The primary risk factor for HPAI infection in dairy cows is contact with waterfowl and wild birds carrying the disease. Pennsylvania's location along the Atlantic Flyway exacerbates this risk, as demonstrated by the state's past experiences with HPAI outbreaks in poultry.
Dr. Justin Smith, Health Commissioner of Kansas, emphasized the importance of farm-level biosecurity measures and collaboration with veterinarians to mitigate the risk of HPAI transmission among dairy cattle.
Symptoms of HPAI in dairy cows include decreased feed intake, abnormal milk production, and changes in manure consistency. The Center of Dairy Excellence and Cornell Pro-Dairy have provided guidelines for identifying and managing HPAI cases on farms.
To protect against potential outbreaks, dairy farms are advised to implement strict biosecurity protocols, including limiting farm visits, vigilant monitoring of animal health, and reporting any unusual behaviors or wild bird deaths to state health authorities.
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service District 1 has updated its website with maps and resources for HPAI surveillance and biosecurity. Additionally, tools like Bird Cast provide real-time bird migration forecasts to aid in preemptive measures.
Source: USDA
