HPAI threats prompt dairy farmers to boost biosecurity
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has continued to spread, requiring dairy farmers to strengthen their biosecurity practices in attempt to protect their herds.
While this disease primarily affects poultry and waterfowl, the numbers are continuing to grow across other livestock, including dairy cattle.
According to an Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension fact sheet, “Even though HPAI has primarily been a poultry disease, there is growing concern about cross-species transmission, which makes biosecurity a key practice for all livestock producers.”
HPAI is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in birds and now has made its way to dairy herds.
“As a fairly small dairy, and the only one in McDonald County, we have the same two people milking the cows daily,” said Crystal Clark with the family owned and operated State Line Jersey’s in Southwest Missouri said. “They are quick to notice if there were to be any changes or if the animals are acting different.”
Farmers can take a number of precautions to reduce the risk of infection in their dairy herds.
Monitor your cattle for unusual symptoms such as decreased milk production, respiratory issues or behavioral changes.
Limit farm access to those who are essential to the farm and ensure that visitors wear proper gear and footwear.
Regularly clean and disinfect feed areas, equipment and mainstream areas to eliminate viral germs before they arrive.
Setting up a quarantine area for new dairy cattle before integrating them with the herd can help prevent the spread of potential diseases. This not only saves the farmer time and money but also supports the overall health of the herd.
Securing the feed storage areas and eliminate as much standing water as possible to cut down on attracting wild birds. This reduces the contact between dairy cattle and the fowl travelling through the areas at the time.
“The biggest thing we do is not having any poultry near the dairy, and we have the same people working consistently inside the farm,” Clark said. “It’s one of those things where you do what you can, but there’s no way to truly stop it if we were to get it.”
Milk must be collected for HPAI testing within seven days prior to interstate (between states) travel and transport. This is a Federal Order by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
In the Ozarks, The Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is certified to complete testing for HPAI in all species if there are suspicions within your herd for contracting the virus.
For more information on HPAI biosecurity practices in dairy cattle, check out OSU Extension Fact Sheets on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle.
