The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
In the past 30 days, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in 12 dairy herds in three states. Access the full list of H5N1 detections in livestock.
To date, there have not been any detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) in Wisconsin cattle, poultry, or wildlife with the genotype associated with dairy cattle detections in other states.
In the coming weeks, there will be additional exhibitions and shows in Wisconsin. DATCP is working with event organizers and continues to answer questions about the state order requiring lactating dairy cattle receive a negative Influenza A test prior to moving to exhibitions or shows. Prior to movement to a fair or exhibition in Wisconsin, lactating dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory using an NAHLN approved assay. Access the Wisconsin Lactating Dairy Cattle Movement to Fairs and Exhibitions Order. Access the FAQ. Cattle returning to their home state/country are not impacted by DATCP testing requirements, but may be impacted by the USDA order and/or the state or country of destination. Interested parties should check with their state/country of origin and destination for more information.
Human cases of H5 have been reported in the United States following exposure to dairy in cattle. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services continues to encourage those who work with animals or materials that could be potentially infected with novel influenza A viruses to take appropriate precautions and wear appropriate PPE according to the CDC guidance. Request PPE from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services medical stockpile.
As a reminder, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA continue to emphasize that the commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process. USDA is also confident that the meat supply is safe.
Producers should continue to enhance their biosecurity efforts and monitor and control disease in their herds and flocks. DATCP is closely monitoring HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle and continues to encourage producers who notice unusual clinical signs in their cattle to work with their herd veterinarian. To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
Resources:
DATCP HPAI (H5N1) in Dairy Cattle
Biosecurity Resources for Events
USDA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP)
USDA Expanded Support for Affected and Unaffected Producers
USDA Dairy Herd Status Program
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
