USDA Confirms First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Iowa Dairy Herd
Source: The DairyNews
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in O’Brien County, marking the first reported instance of HPAI within a dairy herd in Iowa.
HPAI, known to travel in wild birds and often fatal to domestic birds like chickens and turkeys, has now been detected among dairy cows in several states, prompting the USDA to tighten restrictions on moving livestock across state lines.
"Given the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the Department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon announce additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds."
Poultry producers and dairy farmers are urged to strengthen their biosecurity measures, limit unnecessary visitors, and report any symptomatic birds or cattle to the Department. The USDA has confirmed cases in South Dakota, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, Idaho, Colorado, and now Iowa.
Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include sudden bird deaths without clinical signs, lethargy, decreased egg production, and respiratory issues. In dairy cows, symptoms include decreased food consumption, nasal discharge, reduced milk production, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thickened milk.
Consumers are assured that it is safe to enjoy poultry products if proper handling and cooking procedures are followed, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products, as pasteurization effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses, including influenza, in milk.
Dairy producers suspecting cases of HPAI should contact their herd veterinarian immediately and report possible cases to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
"Given the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the Department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon announce additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds."
Poultry producers and dairy farmers are urged to strengthen their biosecurity measures, limit unnecessary visitors, and report any symptomatic birds or cattle to the Department. The USDA has confirmed cases in South Dakota, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, Idaho, Colorado, and now Iowa.
Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include sudden bird deaths without clinical signs, lethargy, decreased egg production, and respiratory issues. In dairy cows, symptoms include decreased food consumption, nasal discharge, reduced milk production, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thickened milk.
Consumers are assured that it is safe to enjoy poultry products if proper handling and cooking procedures are followed, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products, as pasteurization effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses, including influenza, in milk.
Dairy producers suspecting cases of HPAI should contact their herd veterinarian immediately and report possible cases to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
