USDA to Issue New Guidance on Bird Flu Surveillance in Dairy Herds
Source: DairyNews.today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to release updated guidance on bird flu surveillance as part of efforts to prevent the virus from spreading to dairy herds. The move comes as avian influenza (bird flu), traditionally associated with poultry, begins to pose an increased risk to broader agricultural sectors.
Avian influenza is typically carried by migratory wild birds, including ducks and geese, and can be transmitted to domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys. Once infected, poultry can experience mortality rates of up to 100% within 48 hours, according to experts.
“It’s a possibility, and it’s something we need to monitor closely,” said Kitt Schaller, a veterinarian and poultry enthusiast. The virus is controlled by a policy from the World Organization for Animal Health, which mandates the culling of entire flocks if an outbreak is detected.
“This approach aims to eliminate the virus at its source before it spreads,” explained Ron Kean, a poultry specialist at UW-Extension. However, the policy has had significant economic repercussions, contributing to rising egg prices due to a reduction in production.
In response to ongoing concerns, labs such as the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are preparing to identify outbreaks before they spread. “We are fully ready,” said Keith Poulsen, the lab’s director. “Our facility can manage thousands of samples per day.”
While avian influenza has not yet reached Wisconsin’s dairy herds, the virus is beginning to cross over to livestock, raising alarms within the industry. “While the risk to public health remains low, it is not zero,” Poulsen added, underscoring the need for vigilance as bird flu expands its reach.
The USDA’s upcoming guidance is expected to address surveillance measures aimed at mitigating the potential spread of the virus to dairy cattle and minimizing further disruptions to the agricultural supply chain.
“It’s a possibility, and it’s something we need to monitor closely,” said Kitt Schaller, a veterinarian and poultry enthusiast. The virus is controlled by a policy from the World Organization for Animal Health, which mandates the culling of entire flocks if an outbreak is detected.
“This approach aims to eliminate the virus at its source before it spreads,” explained Ron Kean, a poultry specialist at UW-Extension. However, the policy has had significant economic repercussions, contributing to rising egg prices due to a reduction in production.
In response to ongoing concerns, labs such as the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are preparing to identify outbreaks before they spread. “We are fully ready,” said Keith Poulsen, the lab’s director. “Our facility can manage thousands of samples per day.”
While avian influenza has not yet reached Wisconsin’s dairy herds, the virus is beginning to cross over to livestock, raising alarms within the industry. “While the risk to public health remains low, it is not zero,” Poulsen added, underscoring the need for vigilance as bird flu expands its reach.
The USDA’s upcoming guidance is expected to address surveillance measures aimed at mitigating the potential spread of the virus to dairy cattle and minimizing further disruptions to the agricultural supply chain.
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