Dairy Biosecurity

California Dairy Study Raises New Questions About How H5N1 Spreads

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:46:20 GMT

For months, discussions around H5N1 in dairy cattle have focused largely on infected milk and contaminated milking equipment. New research from California suggests the transmission picture may be far more complex.

In a study published this week in PLOS Biology , researchers investigating 14 H5N1-positive California dairies found evidence supporting several possible transmission pathways, including aerosols generated during milking and contamination within dairy wastewater systems. The study also identified signs of subclinical infection in some cows, raising new questions about how easily infected animals may be missed during outbreaks.

The findings add to growing evidence that the dairy environment itself may play a larger role in H5N1 transmission than previously recognized.

Infectious H5N1 Virus Detected in Dairy Parlor Air

One of the study’s most significant findings came from air sampling inside milking parlors.

Researchers collected aerosol samples during milking and detected not only viral RNA, but infectious H5N1 virus in some air samples. Viral material was also identified in exhaled breath collected from infected cattle.

Environmental sampling findings included:

Infectious virus recovered from parlor air samples and wastewater systems
Viral RNA identified in cow breath samples
Evidence of infection in some cows without obvious clinical signs

The distinction between viral RNA and infectious virus is important. Detecting RNA alone does not confirm viable virus is present, while recovery of infectious virus suggests aerosolized particles could potentially contribute to transmission.

The authors stopped short of concluding that airborne spread is a primary transmission route on dairies. However, the findings raise new questions about respiratory exposure risks in enclosed milking environments.

Milking parlors routinely generate aerosols through animal movement, splashing fluids, equipment use and high-pressure cleaning systems. The study suggests those environments may warrant closer attention during outbreak investigations and biosecurity planning.

The findings also have implications for worker safety. Since the U.S. dairy outbreak began, human infections linked to dairy cattle exposure have generally been mild, with conjunctivitis among the most commonly reported symptoms. Aerosol exposure during milking has remained a persistent concern for occupational health experts.

Wastewater Systems are a Possible H5N1 Exposure Route

Researchers also detected widespread contamination throughout dairy wastewater systems.

H5N1 viral RNA was identified in parlor drains, wastewater sumps, lagoons and reclaimed water systems. Infectious virus was recovered from some wastewater-associated samples as well. This finding may be particularly relevant for modern dairy operations, where reclaimed water is frequently reused for flushing and other management purposes.

The authors noted wastewater systems could create additional opportunities for virus movement within the farm environment through splashing, aerosol generation, contaminated surfaces and possible wildlife exposure. Wild birds have already played a major role in the global spread of H5N1. Contaminated wastewater or standing water could represent another point of interaction between dairies and wildlife populations.

The study does not establish wastewater systems as a major driver of transmission. However, it does suggest environmental contamination pathways may deserve more attention as researchers continue investigating how the virus behaves in dairy systems.

Some Infected Cows Showed Few Clinical Signs

The study also identified evidence of subclinical infection.

Some cows tested positive for H5N1 despite showing limited or no obvious clinical illness. In several cases, cows produced H5N1-positive milk without severe visible mastitis signs. Researchers also detected antibodies in animals without previously recognized disease.

Infection patterns within udders added another layer of complexity. Researchers noted some patterns did not fully align with expectations if transmission were occurring solely through contaminated milking equipment.

If milking equipment was the only major transmission route, infections between udder quarters would likely appear more predictable. Instead, the findings suggested additional exposure pathways may be involved.

These subclinical infections could complicate surveillance and outbreak detection efforts. Farms relying primarily on visibly sick cows may miss infected animals, particularly during the early stages of transmission. That has implications for testing strategies, animal movement decisions and outbreak response planning.

The findings also highlight how differently H5N1 behaves in cattle compared to poultry, where highly pathogenic avian influenza often causes rapid and severe disease.

Biosecurity Implications Continue to Evolve

The authors emphasized more research is needed to determine which transmission pathways are most influential on commercial dairies. Still, the study broadens the conversation around H5N1 biosecurity.

Early outbreak discussions focused heavily on milk contamination and fomite transmission through milking equipment. This study suggests aerosols, wastewater systems, environmental contamination and subclinical infections may also play a role.

That could influence future discussions around:

Parlor ventilation
PPE use during milking
Wastewater handling
Environmental sanitation
Surveillance strategies
Monitoring apparently healthy cows

The paper also underscores how much remains unknown about H5N1 adaptation in dairy cattle. Researchers identified mutations in some environmental samples that have previously been associated with mammalian adaptation, though the significance of those findings remains unclear.

This study offers an updated look at a disease situation that continues to evolve rapidly — and suggests transmission on dairies may involve a broader network of environmental exposures than initially believed.

APHIS Lifts Testing Requirements for H5N1 in Unaffected States

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:33:01 GMT

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued updated guidance related to the April 2024 Federal Order that required testing of lactating dairy cattle before they move across State lines.

Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy are no longer required to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement.

View the updated guidance document .

Key Points

No testing required for lactating dairy cattle originating from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy .
Unaffected State Status requires ongoing testing and surveillance activities to confirm the absence of HPAI in the State’s dairy herds.
This update follows a United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) resolution received in October 2025 and is expected to be widely supported by dairy and State animal health regulatory officials.
APHIS does not anticipate any impact on trade of cattle or beef/dairy products.

Public Health and Food Safety

The detection of HPAI H5N1 in lactating dairy cattle does not pose a risk to consumer health or compromise the safety of the commercial milk supply. Pasteurization effectively inactivates HPAI virus. Milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed to prevent entry into the food supply. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to consider the public health risk low.

The Importance of Biosecurity

USDA remains committed to working with State partners to monitor, investigate, and mitigate the spread of HPAI in livestock. This update does not change  USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy . Biosecurity is still key to mitigating the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises.

APHIS recommends  enhanced biosecurity measures  for all dairy farms. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their State veterinarian.

From the Parlor to the Perimeter: Protecting the Heart of American Dairy in 2026

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:28:22 GMT

2026 marks a defining moment for U.S. dairy producers. As biological threats evolve and new risks loom on the horizon, the industry’s focus has moved from the parlor to the perimeter. During a high-level panel at the High Plains Dairy Conference, leaders including Jason Lombard, Samantha Holeck and Dee Ellis addressed the biosecurity gap and the urgent need for a line of separation to safeguard the milk supply. This isn’t just a discussion about animal health; it’s a strategic deep dive into the risk management and business continuity required to keep the American dairy industry moving forward in a volatile world.

The Ghost in the Mammary Gland: The H5N1 Legacy

Lombard opened the discussion with a sobering retrospective on H5N1. What began as a bird flu headline in December 2021 has evolved into a complex, multi-species challenge that has fundamentally altered the dairy landscape.

Lombard’s timeline showed the relentless march of the virus. From the first detections in wild birds in the Carolinas to the jump into commercial turkeys in 2022, the industry watched with wary eyes. But 2024 was the year the ground shifted. The B3.13 genotype emerged in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas, eventually spreading to multiple states and even jumping to alpacas and swine. By late 2025, new genotypes like D1.1 were being detected in Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin.

The most jarring revelation, however, was the visual evidence of where the virus hides. Lombard shared microscopic images of the mammary gland, where sialic acid receptors — the locks the virus keys into — glowed red, and the virus itself (AIV) glowed yellow.

“It’s in the milk,” Lombard stated flatly.

The spread isn’t just about a bird dropping a feather in a feed bunk. The data now shows a web of transmission: the movement of cattle, the movement of people and even the breathing of the herd. Most concerning for the 2026 outlook is the role of aerosols and peridomestic birds like swallows, pigeons and starlings. We are fighting a ghost that can be carried on a breeze or the back of a common filth fly.

The Emerging Nightmare: New World Screwworm

While the industry is still reeling from H5N1, Holeck introduced a threat that sounds like the plot of a horror movie but carries devastating economic reality: New World screwworm (NWS).

For decades, the U.S. has been protected by the “Darien Gap” and a massive eradication effort that pushed the screwworm south into Central America. But in 2026, the map is changing. Holeck shared a situational update showing thousands of active cases in Mexico, with some pushing dangerously close to the U.S. border.

“This will change the way we do business,” Holeck warned.

If NWS crosses the border, the implications are immediate and severe. We are talking about total movement restrictions, intensive live-animal inspections and the potential for lost trade. Unlike a virus, NWS is a parasite — a fly that lays eggs in open wounds, where larvae then consume living tissue. Holeck’s toolbox for 2026 isn’t just about vaccinations; it’s about management. It’s about preventing injuries, adjusting management practices to keep wounds clean, and a hyper-vigilant remove and dispose protocol for larvae.

The Reality of the Gap: Data from the Barn Floor

Farm Journal conducted its own research on research launched at the 2025 Milk Business Conference. The research illustrates a significant biosecurity gap between large and small operations.

The data showed that while 71% of producers have cameras in their milking parlors, only 38% have defined entrances with clear signage for designated vehicles like milk and feed trucks. The discrepancy becomes even sharper when looking at herd size. Larger dairies are significantly more likely to have designated employee parking (+23%) and cameras at facility entrances (+32%) compared to dairies with fewer than 1,000 cows.

The producer’s dilemma is real: ROI versus risk. On a smaller operation, a $20,000 security and sanitation upgrade can feel like a mountain, especially when the threat hasn’t hit your zip code yet. But as the panel emphasized, biosecurity is like insurance — you only realize its value when it’s too late.

One of the most telling statistics from the survey was that 25% of producers admitted they “don’t control and limit access” to feed storage areas. In an era where H5N1 and other diseases can be carried by wildlife and birds into the very food the cows eat, this is a glaring vulnerability.

The Blueprint: Drawing the Line of Separation

Ellis provided the how-to for the future: The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan. This isn’t just a binder that sits on a shelf; it is a voluntary, science-based framework designed to ensure business continuity during a disease outbreak.

The core of the SMS plan is the line of separation (LOS). Ellis shared sample dairy maps that looked more like tactical military charts than farm layouts. The LOS creates a clear clean/dirty boundary.

The Dirty Side: Where public roads, non-essential deliveries and rendering trucks reside.
The Clean Side: The protected area where cows live, eat and are milked.

Implementing an SMS plan means identifying specific LOS access points, creating vehicle cleaning and disinfecting stations and establishing strict logs for every person and animal that crosses that line.

“Don’t sacrifice good for perfect,” Ellis advised. “Every SMS plan is unique. The key is to start. Post your map where every employee can see it every day. Make the clean/dirty concept part of your farm’s culture.”

The Biosecurity Umbrella

Biosecurity can feel like a cloud of acronyms and diseases: BVD, TB, Johne’s, Mycoplasma and now H5N1 and NWS.

Biosecurity isn’t easy. It’s tedious. It’s expensive. And it’s often invisible.

As an industry, we must move away from a reactive posture and toward a proactive, fortified model of production. Whether it’s a million-dollar operation in the Texas Panhandle or a 100-cow family farm in Wisconsin, the line of separation is the same.

The call to action for the industry is the same for every operation across the U.S.:

Assemble your team and review protocols now — before the challenge hits.
Look at your perimeter and sanitation, especially in feed and transport areas.
Support each other. If you serve producers, help them find the resources to make these investments.

While we may be facing genotypes and parasites that generations before us never dreamed of, we now have the science, the data and the collective will to protect the milk supply.

The 2026 revolution isn’t just about how much milk we can produce; it’s about how well we can protect it. And in that mission, we are all behind the wheel together.

The Invisible Perimeter: High-Tech Biosecurity in the Age of Bird Flu

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:47:21 GMT

In the heart of Tulare, Calif., Tyler Ribeiro is conducting an experiment in “mediocrity-free” farming. As a fourth-generation dairyman at Rib-Arrow Dairy, he has seen the industry evolve through a century of challenges. But today, the stakes have shifted. While the Central Valley sun and volatile markets remain constant pressures, an invisible threat moved to the forefront of the dairy conversation last year: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu.

For a dairy milking 1,500 cows, the emergence of H5N1 in dairy herds represents a fundamental shift in how animal well-being is defined. It is no longer just about comfort and production; it is about the rigorous defense of the milk supply itself. At Rib-Arrow, the philosophy of being tech-forward has become the farm’s strongest shield against this mounting biosecurity threat.

Early Detection: The Digital First Line of Defense

The battle against a viral threat like bird flu begins with early detection. Ribeiro’s implementation of Nedap SmartSight vision technology and activity monitoring collars provides a level of granular oversight that was impossible for previous generations. While these systems were primarily installed to monitor locomotion — reducing the lameness incident rate in first lactation cows from 6% to 2% — their value in a biosecurity crisis is immense.

“A cow starts hurting long before we can see it with our eyes,” Ribeiro notes.

Tyler Ribeiro

(Rib-Arrow Dairy)

This same principle applies to viral illness. Before a cow shows clinical signs of HPAI, such as a drop in milk production or lethargy, her data — captured 24/7 in the NedapNow cloud platform — begins to tell a story. By catching subtle changes in activity or movement early, high-tech dairies can isolate animals and implement quarantine protocols before a virus has the chance to move through the entire herd. In the era of bird flu, data is the difference between a minor incident and a total operation shutdown.

Automated Perimeter

Biosecurity is often compromised by the movement of people and equipment. Rib-Arrow’s lean toward automation directly mitigates this risk. The HoofStrong automated foot baths, which have been in place since 2015, are a prime example. Because the system is fully self-contained and self-cleaning, it reduces the need for constant employee intervention and chemical handling.

(Rib-Arrow Dairy )

Similarly, Ribeiro’s three-pronged approach to fly control — using automated flash-sprays, baits and parasitic wasps — limits the presence of pests that can carry pathogens across the dairy. By automating these dirty work tasks, the dairy ensures protocols are executed with 100% consistency, creating a closed-loop environment where the risk of cross-contamination is significantly lowered.

Protect the Pipeline: A Strategic View

The challenges faced by dairies like Rib-Arrow are the focal point of the upcoming 2026 High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo. A critical addition to the lineup is the panel “Protecting the Milk Supply,” featuring experts like Dee Ellis from Texas A&M and New Mexico state veterinarian Samantha Holeck. Their work bridges the gap between the regulatory requirements of state-level safety and the daily reality of the parlor.

As Ribeiro notes: “I hate it when people show up and say, ‘You’re doing a great job.’ Show me where I’m missing.”

This mindset is essential for modern biosecurity. Protecting the pipeline requires producers to work alongside data scientists like Jason Lombard of Colorado State University’s AgNext to understand the science of staying open, which involves analyzing every touch point on the farm — from how calves are transported to how manure is managed — to ensure business continuity in the face of a biosecurity event.

(Rib-Arrow Dairy)

Reputation and Resilience

The final layer of defense against bird flu is communication. For a dairy like Rib-Arrow, transparency and clear communication are vital.

Ribeiro’s “data nerd” approach allows him to provide a real-time truth about his herd’s health. Whether it is downloading thousands of cells of data to analyze with AI or checking his phone app for a cow’s locomotion score, he is equipped to prove the resilience of his operation.

As the road through 2026 and beyond is paved, the goal remains the same as it was 100 years ago: healthy cows and a sustainable business. The difference now is the eye in the sky and the mountain of data are the tools ensuring the next generation of the Ribeiro family is still standing — and profitable — no matter what biological threats the world throws at them.

Bovine Tuberculosis Detected in Michigan Dairy

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:18:19 GMT

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd in Charlevoix County, located west of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ), where the disease is known to be present in the state’s white-tailed deer population.

(Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)

According to state officials, the detection followed identification of bovine TB in an adult cow at a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant. Through animal traceability efforts, officials traced the animal back to its herd of origin. Subsequent testing of the herd identified additional bovine TB cases.

“This latest detection of bovine TB highlights two important realities: how challenging the disease is to address; and why it is so crucial to use all of our tools for detection to swiftly identify cases and take actions to limit disease spread,” say Nora Wineland, state veterinarian for Michigan. “While finding a newly affected herd is never ideal, this case demonstrates our systems for detection and traceability are working, allowing us to quickly implement measures to protect animal health and public health in Michigan.”

MDARD reports an epidemiological investigation is already underway to determine whether additional cases may be linked to the affected herd. There are currently two TB zones within the state: a four-county area in northern lower Michigan called the Modified Accredited Zone, and the remainder of the state’s 83 counties is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone.

This is Michigan’s second confirmed bovine TB case in the past 13 months. The previous case was identified in a beef herd in Alcona County, located within the state’s Modified Accredited Zone, in January 2025. With this latest detection, a total of 84 cattle herds have been confirmed with bovine TB in Michigan since 1998.

What is Bovine Tuberculosis?

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that can infect all mammals, including humans. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis and spreads through both direct contact between infected and uninfected animals and indirect exposure, such as contaminated feed, water or the environment.

The disease progresses slowly, often developing over several years. Infection typically begins in the lymph nodes before advancing to the lungs and chest cavity, where it can cause serious lesions.

While cattle are the primary host, the disease can also be present in white-tailed deer and elk, as well as bison, goats and certain carnivores, including coyotes.

The Symptoms

Unfortunately, infected cattle are typically asymptomatic. Detection usually occurs during live animal skin testing or, more commonly, at slaughter through our national slaughter surveillance program, according to USDA. If cattle or bison show clinical signs of tuberculosis, the disease has advanced to affect multiple organ systems, which is rare.

Can it be Prevented?

Bovine TB most often spreads through close contact, especially nose-to-nose interaction between animals, or when cattle consume feed or water that’s been contaminated. In most cases, herds become infected one of two ways: by bringing in an infected animal or through exposure to infected wildlife.

While the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle is extremely low in the U.S., with an estimated prevalence of 7 per 1 million cattle screened, it can occur. Producers should work alongside their veterinarian to help create a biosecurity plan.

How is it Identified?

According to APHIS, the primary source of tuberculosis surveillance is carcass inspection at all federal and state inspected slaughter establishments. The other main sources of tuberculosis detection are testing animals before interstate movement and during disease investigations. Live animal testing is performed with a screening test. If positive, the regulatory veterinarian will conduct a confirmatory test.

Can it be Treated?

Unfortunately, tuberculosis in livestock is not a treatable disease. When health officials find tuberculosis in a herd, it is managed by either depopulating the herd or by testing and removing reactor animals.

Prepping Dairies for the Return of the New World Screwworm

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:00:59 GMT

As New World screwworm moves closer to the southern U.S., dairy farmers, veterinarians and industry leaders are paying closer attention. While it’s not time to panic yet, there is a shared focus on being prepared if the pest crosses the border.

Keith Poulsen, Ph.D., director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, explained the urgency during a recent “Professional Dairy Producers” webinar.

“This is not just another fly,” Poulsen says. “The New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that actually burrows into live tissue. That’s what makes it unique and what makes it a genuine threat to cattle, other livestock and even people.”

The U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm in 1960 using a method called the sterile insect technique. This approach involved breeding and releasing millions of sterile male flies into the wild. When these sterile males mated with wild females, no offspring were produced, slowly shrinking the screwworm population. Over time, this effort drove the pest out of the country.

“It took decades, but we pushed screwworm out of North America all the way into South America,” Poulsen explains.

Today, detections moving north through Mexico have veterinarians and animal health officials paying close attention. With confirmed cases now within roughly 70 miles of the Texas border, the concern is very real.

“We’ve seen this pest before,” Poulsen says. “The fact that it’s moving north again means we need to be ready.”

Why is This Fly Different?

Unlike flies that target manure or dead tissue, the New World screwworm lays eggs in living animals. When those eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the tissue and feed, creating painful wounds that can rapidly worsen.

“They’re irritated because it’s painful,” Poulsen explains. “When those eggs hatch and the larvae start feeding, it creates abscesses. Abscesses are painful, and they can lead to sepsis or a generalized infection.”

Animal deaths aren’t usually common, but the damage does not need to be fatal to be costly. Livestock often lose condition, require treatment and can suffer carcass trimming or condemnation later.

“You might see it at slaughter when tissue has to be trimmed out or carcasses are condemned,” Poulsen says. “That’s where a lot of the economic impact shows up.”

What Should You Look For?

Poulsen stresses early detection depends less on new technology and more on careful observation. The good news is producers already do this every day.

“We call it active observational surveillance,” he says. “You already check your animals every day. Now you just add a heightened awareness for very specific signs.”

Producers should watch for changes in behavior, skin condition and overall comfort, including:

Unusual discomfort or behavior, such as head shaking, kicking at the body, tail swishing or animals isolating themselves from the group
Animals that just seem off, even if no obvious wound is visible at first
Open sores or abscesses, especially those that appear suddenly or worsen quickly
Foul smelling wounds, which can indicate infected or abscessed tissue
Clusters of lesions, rather than a single isolated wound. “You’ll often see chains of abscesses,” Poulsen explains. “They can range from blueberry sized to golf ball sized, and you’ll usually see more than one.”

Certain areas of the body deserve extra attention, particularly places animals struggle to brush flies away, including:

Udder cleft and teat base
Axilla or armpit area
Neck and dewlap
Along the topline or shoulders

In more advanced cases, larvae can be visible within the wound.

“If you see larvae or maggots coming out, that’s a real telltale sign,” Poulsen adds.

Identifying the Fly

Adult screwworm flies look different from common horn flies, but Poulsen cautions against relying on visual identification alone.

“They have a metallic green body, large heads and striping on the abdomen,” he says. “But it’s hard to tell for sure just by looking.”

(USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

Instead, he encourages producers to involve their veterinarian and diagnostic labs early rather than trying to make the call themselves.

“If you think you see the flies, grab a couple, put them in a collection vial and give them to your veterinarian,” Poulsen says. “We’ll identify them for free. Our lab network is activated and trained to look for this.”

Is This Only a Southern Concern?

Texas and the broader Southwest face the highest risk because warm temperatures allow screwworm flies to survive year-round, giving the pest more opportunity to reproduce and spread. Still, Poulsen cautions that northern states should not assume they are completely safe.

“We move a lot of animals back and forth,” he says. “Wisconsin alone moves about 6,000 animals per month to and from Texas.”

Transporting calves south or bringing in animals from higher-risk areas can inadvertently introduce screwworm to northern herds. Even healthy-looking animals can carry early-stage larvae that are not yet visible.

“The risk up here isn’t zero, but it’s not as high as in the south,” Poulsen says. “The advice for those farms is simple. Look closely. If you see anything, say something.”

Cold weather slows screwworm activity, giving farms some seasonal relief. Still, producers need to stay alert as warmer weather returns.

“Now that we’re in the middle of winter, flies shouldn’t be an issue,” he says. “This season is more about keeping an eye out and staying ready for what spring might bring.”

What Happens if Screwworm Crosses the Border?

While no one can say exactly how regulatory responses would play out if screwworm returns, agencies are already preparing.

Federal and state animal health officials are increasing surveillance, testing and monitoring programs to catch the pest early. Rapid response plans are also being developed, including quarantine measures, movement restrictions and treatment strategies.

“We’re ramping up testing, education and surveillance,” Poulsen says. “It’s not just about detecting insect presence. It’s about rapid response, communication and ensuring we have animal movement protocols ready if needed.”

Public health is also involved.

“We had a human case in Maryland from someone who traveled to an endemic area,” he adds. “Public health found it, treated it and contained it. That tells me the system works, but we still don’t want it in our livestock.”

Making Biosecurity a Priority

Being proactive isn’t just about one pest. Recent research presented at the MILK Business Conference shows many U.S. dairy farms take a reactive approach to biosecurity, leaving operations vulnerable to evolving disease threats. About one-third of farms don’t regularly review their biosecurity plans, even as challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and New World screwworm continue to emerge.

The survey of more than 300 dairy producers found that while 68% of larger farms have a biosecurity plan, 34% do not review or update it regularly. The good news is that more than 70% of large dairies are working on improvements, showing parts of the industry are taking biosecurity seriously. Having these systems in place can make a real difference when it comes to spotting problems like screwworm early and responding quickly.

Awareness Over Alarm

Poulsen is quick to clarify that being prepared does not mean panicking. While screwworm has not been detected in U.S. livestock yet, thinking ahead can make all the difference.

“If animals are coming from a high-risk area, they may need to be treated before transport and monitored closely after arrival,” he says. On modern dairies, that is easier said than done because quarantine takes space and space costs money. That is why he encourages producers to start planning now.

“Talk to your veterinarian,” he says. “Ask what your biosecurity plan looks like if you have to bring animals in. Do you have a place to isolate them? How long would they stay there? What treatments would you use?”

He emphasizes that the goal is not fear but knowledge and readiness.

“This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing what we’re up against and using every resource we have to protect our animals and our industry.”

While the threat of New World screwworm seems intimidating, Poulsen’s advice is simple. Keep up with the latest updates, pay close attention to your animals and reach out to your vet or state animal health officials sooner rather than later. Staying ahead now makes all the difference later.

“The consequence of missing it is very, very high,” Poulsen adds. “It is much easier to control it early than later.”

Looking ahead, he sees the current situation as the start of a longer process.

“We’re at the beginning of this, not the end,” Poulsen says. “That’s exactly why we’re having these conversations now.”

First Case of Avian Flu Detected in Wisconsin Dairy Herd

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:35:02 GMT

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy herd in Dodge County, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Sunday. This marks the first confirmed detection of the virus in dairy cattle in the state.

Dodge County, Wisconsin

(USDA)

The herd was identified through routine National Milk Testing Strategy screening, not the surveillance required for moving cattle across state lines. The affected farm has been quarantined, and any cattle showing signs of illness are being separated for treatment.

Bird flu has already been detected in poultry flocks in Wisconsin. On Dec. 9, state officials reported HPAI in a flock in Marquette County, which is just one county away from the affected dairy herd.

HPAI in dairy cattle has been documented in the U.S. before, with the first detections reported in March 2024 in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas. Since then, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases across 18 states, primarily through targeted testing and monitoring programs. While the pace of new detections has slowed in recent months, one additional confirmed case has been reported in California within the past 30 days, indicating the virus is still a threat.

HPAI Confirmed Cases in the Last 30 Days

(USDA)

Total HPAI Confirmed Cases

(USDA)

A Wake-Up Call for Dairy Biosecurity

The Wisconsin case comes as new research from Farm Journal highlights ongoing gaps in dairy biosecurity practices nationwide. A survey of more than 300 dairy producers, presented at the MILK Business Conference, found that while many operations report having biosecurity plans in place, consistent implementation and regular review remain a challenge.

According to the survey, 68% of farms with at least 250 cows say they have a biosecurity plan, yet 34% of those producers acknowledge they do not routinely review or update it. The findings point to vulnerabilities at a time when disease threats such as HPAI, New World screwworm and bovine spongiform encephalopathy continue to raise concern across the livestock sector.

(Farm Journal)

“We need biosecurity efforts to be more impactful at the ground level,” said Kirk Ramsey, professional services veterinarian with Neogen, who reviewed the survey results. “Not only to prevent major outbreaks, but also to protect employees and families from what could be carried home every day.”

As emerging diseases continue to challenge dairy operations, the research reinforces the importance of consistent, practical biosecurity measures to reduce risk and protect herd health.

What are the Symptoms of HPAI in Dairy Cattle?

As monitoring continues, officials are urging producers to stay alert for early signs of illness within their herds, as prompt detection and response remain key to limiting further spread. Signs of HPAI include:

Drop in milk production
Loss of appetite
Changes in manure consistency
Thickened or colostrum-like milk
Low-grade fever

State officials are monitoring the situation and working closely with the farm to contain the virus and prevent further spread. DATCP emphasized there is no concern for the safety of the commercial milk supply, as pasteurization eliminates the virus. The CDC considers the human health risk low.

Read more on HPAI in dairy:

New Research Exposes Stagnant Biosecurity Efforts in the U.S. Dairy Industry

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:20:34 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity, U.S. dairy farmers are more reactive than proactive and some neglect the basics, making operations vulnerable to evolving disease threats, according to new research released Tuesday at MILK Business Conference .

The study found farm hygiene and herd health aren’t top of mind on all farms and one-third of farms don’t proactively review their biosecurity plans indicating a potential lack of ongoing commitment or adaptation.

There is a silver lining: More than 70% of large dairies say they are already working on improvements, meaning some in the industry are prioritizing biosecurity.

The recent research conducted by Farm Journal, which surveyed more than 300 dairy producers, looks at trends and potential vulnerabilities that might be affecting dairy farms nationwide. As disease challenges such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), New World screwworm (NWS) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) continue to mount, biosecurity remains a critical concern for the industry.

“We need biosecurity efforts to be more impactful at the ground level. Not only to prevent major outbreaks, but to even protect employees and families from the things being taken home every day,” says Kirk Ramsey, Neogen’s professional services veterinarian who reviewed the biosecurity survey results.

Biosecurity Plans Lag Behind Threats

The survey reveals even among farms with established biosecurity strategies, commitment to reviewing and adapting these plans is lacking. While 68% of farmers with at least 250 dairy cows report having a biosecurity plan, 34% admit they do not review their plans regularly.

(Farm Journal)

On a positive note, 72% of dairy operators with 250-plus cows report they are currently making improvements to their biosecurity versus 58% of smaller dairy operators. Those producers are making improvements for a host of reasons, including recent on-farm or neighboring farm disease outbreaks, veterinarian recommendation and government or regulatory authority guidelines.

One respondent shares because their farm is a “closed herd” they’re not making any improvements to their biosecurity plan. All of this hints at a broader problem: Ongoing biosecurity practices might not be keeping pace with evolving threats.

Back to the Basics With Farm Security

The survey also uncovers significant gaps in fundamental farm security. More than 20% of surveyed dairies neglect to secure access to barns and animal housing. Monitoring or restricting visitor access is also a blind spot for 16% of producers, and only 33% of producers use camera surveillance to oversee their facilities. Additionally, 38% fail to control or limit access to areas where feed is stored or provided.

(Farm Journal)

Gaps in Hygiene and Herd Health

When it comes to farm hygiene and animal health practices, 72% of larger dairy operations have hand-washing stations included in their biosecurity protocol, and 75% use separate equipment for handling feed and manure. Even though more than half of respondents use technology, such as herd activity monitoring systems, to help identify sick animals, the overall picture suggests room for improvement in daily hygiene and health protocols.

(Farm Journal)

Training and Education Should Be Proactive

The approach to biosecurity training also calls for reform. The findings show a reactive pattern, with 32% of farms providing training only in response to biosecurity issues, while another 30% conduct quarterly meetings. These figures reveal substantial portions of the industry lack consistent, proactive staff education, an essential pillar of effective biosecurity management.

Chief Science Officer Jamie Jonker, Ph.D., with National Milk Producers Federation says biosecurity on dairy farms is a continuous process that requires proactive updates and employee education to keep pace with evolving disease threats.

“The National Dairy FARM Program offers comprehensive biosecurity materials and evaluation tools as well as certified FARM Biosecurity evaluators who can draft tailored plans and guide training to ensure consistent implementation,” he says. “Leveraging these resources helps producers stay ahead of risks and maintain a strong, resilient operation.”

(Farm Journal)

Cybersecurity: An Emerging Concern

Beyond biosecurity, the increasing reliance on technology introduces cybersecurity challenges. Only 29% of farmers have collaborated with cybersecurity experts to protect their farm systems and data. As farms grow more technologically interconnected, safeguarding digital infrastructure is an emerging need.

The insights from Farm Journal’s recent research paint a clear picture for the U.S. dairy industry: In an era of escalating disease threats such as H5N1 and NWS, a reactive or static approach to protection is no longer sufficient. Ultimately, this research serves as a pivotal reminder that biosecurity and cybersecurity are not one-time tasks, but dynamic, ongoing processes demanding continuous review and proactive management.

“Improvements in biosecurity will require a paradigm shift in how we see our individual operations’ vulnerabilities,” Ramsey says. “I believe there are some misconceptions around what biosecurity looks like. For many, it’s thought of as Tyvek suits and face masks, not clean boots and coveralls, and shower-in-shower-out facilities, not limited-farm entry. There are simple ways to create biosecurity plans into every operation, and there are experts in our industry building innovative solutions to the complexities of the cattle industry.”

Breaking: USDA Warns of Avian Flu in Nebraska Dairy Farms

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:30:40 GMT

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories recently delivered surprising news. A dairy cattle herd in Nebraska has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, marking the first known case of HPAI in cattle within the state. Although this outbreak within dairy cattle initially occurred in March 2024, it’s the first instance in Nebraska. As cases have been relatively limited to a handful of states, APHIS teams are on the ground, collaborating with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to carry out comprehensive investigations and assessments.

Though this detection significantly impacts the Nebraska cattle farming community, it will not alter USDA’s diligent eradication strategy for avian influenza. Biosecurity persists as a vital element in preventing the spread of disease. USDA strongly advocates dairy farms across the nation amplify their biosecurity protocols, particularly with the upcoming fall migratory bird season. Producers are urged to report any unusual clinical signs in their livestock or unexpected wildlife mortality to their state veterinarian to refine containment measures.

Consumer Health Remains Secure
An assurance to consumers remains crucial in times of such uncertainty. According to FDA, there is no cause for concern regarding consumer health or the safety of commercial milk supplies despite the detection. It is affirmed pasteurization effectively neutralizes the H5N1 virus. Milk intended for human consumption originates only from healthy animals, with milk from potentially impacted animals being safely segregated from the human food supply.

Lessons from the West Coast
Experiences from other regions can provide valuable insights into managing such outbreaks. A pertinent case is that of Zonneveld Dairies, Inc. in California, which faced HPAI outbreaks in October 2024. Jacob Zonneveld, the dairy’s president, reflected earlier this year at the 2025 California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Visalia on the challenges the outbreak presented.

With a sprawling operation of 10,000 cows and an equivalent number of replacement heifers spread across 6,600 acres in Laton, Calif., Zonneveld points out the challenges in preventing birds from accessing feed piles, emphasizing the role of biosecurity in treating infected cows, rather than prevention.

Like Nebraska, California dairies faced significant hurdles. In November, Zonneveld Dairies experienced a 15% decrease in milk production, signaling the peak impact of the epidemic. Despite a gradual recovery, production levels remain slightly lower compared to the previous year.

The persistent nature of avian influenza and its contingent effects on dairy farming call for an unwavering commitment to biosecurity and cross-sector cooperation.

Your Next Read:
Enhancing Biosecurity on Calf Ranches: Balancing Animal and Human Health

Enhancing Biosecurity on Calf Ranches: Balancing Animal and Human Health

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:09:46 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity on calf ranches there are two main components: preventing disease spread among animals and safeguarding human health. While often the focus is on animal health, it’s crucial to remember the significant role humans play in disease transmission and prevention. Kirk Ramsey, veterinarian for Neogen, underscores the importance of biosecurity on calf ranches needing to involve those two main components and notes that implementing a comprehensive biosecurity strategy can help achieve a balanced approach.

In Deerfield, Kan., Kansas Dairy Development provides temporary housing for more than 96,000 head of cattle, from a few days old to springers nearly ready to calve, and according to Jason Shamburg, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, great animal care and husbandry go hand in hand with biosecurity.

“Clean cattle trailers, very clean facilities, clean calf hutches, clean bedding, clean milk, clean coveralls for our team and practices such as individual needle changes for treatments and needless applications for vaccines as well as a robust BVD screening and surveillance program are just some of the aspects that we believe develop a great calf but also creates the overall benefits of bio security,” he says.

Ramsey concurs but also notes sometimes a two-part viewpoint is overlooked at calf ranches because so much focus is put toward the calves when they are first onboarding into a new facility.

“Often they come from multiple states and go straight into calf hutches or individual pens,” he says. “In a way, this is kind of like a biosecurity practice to create a little bit of separation based on where those calves are coming from.”

Calf Health Management
Ramsey provides some tips on overall biosecurity tips for both calves and employees for calf ranches.

Onboarding
When calves arrive at ranches from various locations, biosecurity practices such as keeping calves separated in their hutches can create a needed barrier against disease. Maintaining organization based on the origin of the calves helps monitor and control potential disease spread.

“Also making sure those calves have had that first feeding is a massive part of their movement forward. Getting them comfortable and settled is a big first step.”

Sanitation Practices
Before new groups of calves are introduced, sanitation of the hutches is essential. Best practices involve pressure washing and using a combination of soap and disinfectants to clean the hutches. Air drying under the sun can further sanitize the environment. Moving hutches to new bedding areas allows the old ground to naturally sanitize and prepare for future use.

“A best recommendation practice is always moving hutches as you go down the line, so the calves are actually never on a bed pack where they were prior.”

Pest Control
Seasonal challenges, such as fly infestations in the summer, require strategic pest control measures. Ensuring dry bedding and routine sanitation practices can significantly reduce pest-associated risks. Careful maintenance of feeding areas, including bucket cleaning, can help control pest populations.

“Anything that we can do to try to maintain a drier environment in that calf hutch, the better to try to inhibit as much fly growth,” he says, noting the areas around where those flies are growing should be the target. “So that’s in front of those calf hutches, where that milk is getting spilled, where a lot of that fly growth is occurring.”

Record Keeping and Communication
Accurate record-keeping of calf health, vaccination schedules and treatments forms the foundation for effective biosecurity measures. Clear communication across all levels of staff ensures consistent implementation of biosecurity protocols, enhancing overall herd health.

“Having one person in charge of that line, or that group of lines, keeps that person responsible for those calves,” he says. “That person knows everything about those calves for that period of time, and then when they move to the next line, they are a communication relayer.”

Waste Management and Environmental Hygiene
Efficient waste management involves cleaning manure and bedding, allowing ample exposure to sunlight for natural ground sterilization. This ensures the environment is prepared for new calves, reducing the likelihood of disease resurgence.

“Allowing the sunlight to do its job, to break down the bacteria, is vital.”

Staff Training and Human Biosecurity
Another huge element to biosecurity is the people that interface with the cattle. It’s important to ask what are we doing to prevent each other from having the interface and bringing some of that stuff home to our families?

Providing coveralls and rubber boots can help reduce the risk of disease transmission to and from home environments. Encouraging routines like washing boots and hands is an easy yet impactful biosecurity measure.

Implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures on calf ranches fortifies the health of calves while protecting human health. Simple practices, such as maintaining cleanliness, systematic organization and thorough communication, can collectively elevate the biosecurity standard. Emphasizing these strategies ensures a healthier and more productive calf-raising environment.

As we aim for improved biosecurity measures, understanding both the challenges and solutions will pave the way for better practices on calf ranches, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both calves and humans.

Your Next Read:
Transform Efficiency: The Evolution of Full Circle Jerseys

Hungary Suggests 'Biological Attack' Could be Source of Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:35:24 GMT

Hungary on Thursday suggested a “biological attack” as a possible source of the country’s first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in more than half a century, which has triggered border closures and the mass slaughter of cattle in the northwest.

Hungary reported a first case of foot-and-mouth disease in over 50 years on a cattle farm in the northwest near the border with Austria and Slovakia last month, the World Organisation for Animal Health said, citing Hungarian authorities.

Animal health authorities had made checks at nearly 1,000 farms across Hungary by Thursday, with only four in the affected northwestern region returning positive results.

“At this stage, we can say that it cannot be ruled out that the virus was not of natural origin, we may be dealing with an artificially engineered virus,” Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas told a media briefing.

Responding to a question, Gulyas said he could not rule out that the virus outbreak was the result of a biological attack, without giving information on who might be responsible.

He also said that suspicion was based on verbal information received from a foreign laboratory and that their findings have not yet been fully proven and documented.

Hungary’s cattle stock numbered 861,000 head based on a livestock census in December, little changed from levels a year earlier. That constituted 1.2% of the European Union’s total cattle stocks, official statistics showed.

Foot-and-mouth disease poses no danger to humans but causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, swine, sheep and goats, and outbreaks often lead to trade restrictions.

Thousands of cattle had to be culled as the landlocked country tried to contain the outbreak, while Austria and Slovakia have closed dozens of border crossings, after the disease also appeared in the southern part of Slovakia.

“Everyone was just standing there, crying and saying that this cannot be true, that this was impossible,” said Paul Meixner, an Austrian-Hungarian dual citizen, who owns of one of the affected farms in Hungary.

While his business has taken a 1.5 billion forint ($4.09 million) loss after culling 3,000 cattle and other livestock, Meixner has vowed to rebuild.

“In two weeks, we will start harvesting and storing the hay,” he said. “We need the fodder for next year.”

Your Next Read: What Do Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Europe Mean for the U.S.?

6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Wildlife Biosecurity Breaches

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:37:09 GMT

Wildlife serve an important purpose, but they can also be a major threat to livestock. It’s not possible to keep all wildlife out, but steps can be taken to decrease their activity. Before taking any action, make sure that the wildlife you want to control are not endangered, threatened or protected in your area.

One way you can keep unwanted visitors out is by buttoning up your biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases and pathogens.

1. Compromised exclusion
When damage occurs to barriers you put up to keep birds away, that can actually create more habitat. Now birds can get in and get behind the barrier which serves as the perfect protection from predators. Nests of wild birds are an indicator that birds are using your Line of Separation for housing.

Robin nest on barn ledge.

(USDA Wildlife Services)

2. Breaches in the foundation
Keep buildings and fences in good repair. Seal holes where wildlife can enter. Anything over 1 square inch is possible for a house sparrow to get into. Repair screens and doors and replace rotting or damaged wood. Nests of wild birds are an indicator that birds are using your Line of Separation for housing.

3. Holes/construction issues
Repair holes in buildings or barns to prevent entry. Regularly check and repair damaged screens on windows and doors

4. Spilled feed
Remove excess feed and feed spills as these can attract bird flocks. It’s not uncommon for birds to defecate while eating. This becomes an opportunity for mice and other rodents to eat the spilled feed and bird poop before heading back into the barn. Keep a broom and lidded garbage container at every feed storage area for quick cleanups.

Feed spillage

(USDA Wildlife Services)

5. Standing water
The virus itself can live in water for months if it’s cold. If you see water, consider it positive for virus. Don’t walk or move equipment through or near standing water— this could track wildlife feces or other contaminants with the virus into your barns.

6. Clutter and tree management
Clutter and trees around the farm provide the perfect habitat for birds and other wildlife to find refuge. Reduce natural food sources by removing fallen fruit and mowing grass often.

Your Next Read: Don’t Be Deceived: Wildlife Pose Serious Threat to Livestock Producers

What Do Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Europe Mean for the U.S.?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:58:21 GMT

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is rearing its ugly head in Europe. After an outbreak in water buffalo in Germany in January, an outbreak in cattle in Hungary in early March and an outbreak in cattle in Slovakia last week, why now? What is the U.S. doing to keep this foreign animal disease out and protect the country’s livestock industry?

“FMD is caused by a virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals so that can include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” explains Megan Niederwerder, DVM, who serves as the executive director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). “It does not affect humans and is not a threat to food safety, but it has significant trade implications once it is introduced into a country.”

FMD has been fairly quiet in these European countries – with no cases reported for decades. Other parts of Europe have seen outbreaks more recently like the 2001 outbreak in the United Kingdom that caused a crisis in British agriculture and tourism and resulted in the cancellation of the World Pork Expo held in Des Moines, Iowa.

“FMD really decimated the United Kingdom,” says Barb Determan who was serving as president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) at the time. “It became very apparent that we couldn’t guarantee the safety for our U.S. pig herd because of the high numbers of international travelers that would be at the show. We had to cancel World Pork Expo out of an abundance of precaution.”

Although there is still a lot to be discovered about how FMD was introduced into these populations, it’s a significant warning to the U.S. to be on alert.

(Lori Hays)

That was the first time, but not the only time World Pork Expo was canceled. The event was also canceled in 2019 because of the African swine fever outbreak in China and again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That was a hard financial decision,” Determan says. “We had just completed the separation agreement between NPPC and the National Pork Board. NPPC was very tightly budgeted at that time, so it was a huge hit.”

However, keeping the U.S. pig herd safe was the most important thing on everyone’s mind. She says they made their decision after hearing reports from veterinarians who had been to England to better understand the extensiveness as well as from the USDA that had sent veterinarians over to help.

“At that time, we didn’t have near the biosecurity practices and things that we do now with the disinfectant foot mats,” Determan says. “We also don’t have live pigs on the on the grounds now compared to how we did things many years ago. We used to have live pigs everywhere on the fairgrounds in the early 2000s from genetics companies with pigs in their displays to the pigs in the live shows.”

The Truth About FMD
The clinical signs of FMD are similar to what the name implies. It can cause vesicles or blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue of animals that are infected. The U.S. has not had a case of FMD since 1929.

“We certainly want to keep it that way, as the economic implications for producers are significant if the virus is introduced,” Niederwerder says.

Compared to many viruses, FMD is a highly stable, non-enveloped virus that allows it to be infectious for longer periods. It’s very contagious and highly transmissible. Not only are there risks with transmission of the virus through infected meat products that may come in through illegal trade, but it can also be carried on contaminated clothes or equipment or supplies of humans.

“The human would not be infected, but certainly people can carry the virus on contaminated clothing,” Niederwerder says. “That’s why it’s really important as we think about prevention of entry into the U.S.”

FMD causes fever and pain. It results in excessive salivation and causes reduced milk production in dairy cattle.

“When you think about the impact, certainly there’s an impact on animal health with regards to the clinical signs, but even further is this impact on trade restrictions and the economic losses for producers,” Niederwerder says. “When you try and contain the virus, that oftentimes results in those infected animals being culled or euthanized so the disease no longer has the chance to spread.”

Why Should the U.S. Pay Attention?
When a virus moves into a new geographical range or is reintroduced into a country that has maintained a negative status for a long period, Niederwerder says it’s critical to reassess the risk to the U.S.

“In January, Germany reported their first case in over 30 years in water buffalo near Berlin,” she explains. “It was 14 animals, and those animals were all culled after the infection was confirmed but certainly trade restrictions and implications on surrounding areas of that Berlin farm were significant.”

Fast forward to March when two additional countries have reported cases. Hungary reported FMD in a single farm of cattle in the north part of the country for the first time in over 50 years. Shortly thereafter, the virus appeared in Slovakia (who also hadn’t seen a case in over 50 years) in multiple herds of cattle.

“Just recently, another herd was a suspect herd in Slovakia, near the southern border near Hungary,” Niederwerder says. “This is certainly concerning about how this virus is being reintroduced. Is it associated with contaminated fomites that may be in the country or traveling to new locations? Is it associated with wild boar? Could it be associated with infected hay?”

Although there is still a lot to be discovered about how FMD was introduced into these populations, it’s a significant warning to the U.S. to be on alert .

“We need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t get reintroduced into the U.S.,” Niederwerder says. “How can we amp up any biosecurity measures that are necessary to reduce our risk? We also need to think about reducing the risk of introduction into our country through travel and illegal trade.”

Be on Alert
Livestock operations should reevaluate biosecurity protocols. If any of your farm’s employees travel to areas where there are infected animals, implement a quarantine period for entry back into your U.S. farm, she advises.

“Be vigilant,” Niederwerder urges. “One of the challenges of FMD is that it does cause these characteristic lesions of vesicles or blisters on the mouth, nose or the hoof. What becomes very tricky is that those clinical signs are indistinguishable from other vesicular diseases such as Senecavirus A. If producers and veterinarians see these lesions, they must report it immediately so it can be investigated and confirmed that it is not FMD virus.”

FMD is not just a disease of pigs and cattle, she points out. Sheep, goats and cloven-hoofed zoo animals may also be impacted by FMD. This increases the breadth of what the industry needs to monitor.

“The world is very small now,” Niederwerder says. “Not only do people travel more internationally, but animals move around more than ever, too. It’s extremely important for those of us that are producers to keep our eyes open and pay attention to what’s going on worldwide so we can be as prepared as possible for any change in disease risk.”

That’s one of the ways that SHIC is trying to help producers. SHIC provides timely domestic and global disease updates to producers.

“Watching the SHIC global disease report is really important for producers,” Determan says. “It comes out every month and really gives you a feel for what’s happening in the entire world from a swine health standpoint. The biggest lesson we learned from the 2001 FMD outbreak is that looking farther out than just our own farm gate is so important.”

Keep Reading:
An Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O in Germany

Hungary Confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle

Slovakia Records First Foot-and-Mouth Cases, Minister Says

Navigating HPAI: Lessons Learned From a 10,000-Cow California Dairy

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:10:19 GMT

At the forefront of the dairy industry, Jacob Zonneveld, president and CEO of Zonneveld Dairies, Inc., boldly navigates challenges as he openly shares his experiences with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). With a sprawling operation of 10,000 cows and an equivalent number of replacement heifers spread across 6,600 acres in Laton, Calif., Zonneveld offers invaluable insights into managing this daunting threat.

The Onset of HPAI
In October, HPAI made its presence felt in the vicinity of Zonneveld Dairies, spreading rapidly despite limited resource sharing. The outbreak underscored the complexities of biosecurity measures, especially for dairies. Zonneveld points out the challenges in preventing birds from accessing feed piles, emphasizing the role of biosecurity in treating infected cows, rather than prevention.

Jason Lombard, DVM, Veterinary Epidemiologist with Colorado State University concurs, saying that segregating animals is good for treatment, but it’s inevitable that the disease will spread from pen to pen.

Zonneveld recounts their initial approach with drenching, ultimately leading to more challenges than solutions for the cows. At the 2025 California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Visalia, he detailed their shift to a treatment protocol focused on identifying symptomatic cows through signs like milk loss, runny noses, and respiratory distress.

“We did try drenching them first but felt that just kind of caused more problems than benefits to the cows,” he said. “What we ended up doing is giving an energy bolus and electrolytes as well as a couple of natural anti-inflammatory boluses. About 25% of our total herd was treated with these methods of treatment.”

Impact on Production
The California dairy farmer shared that November marked the peak impact of the epidemic, with milk production dropping by 15%. Today, production remains slightly below last year’s levels. Interestingly, Zonneveld Dairies, where cows reside in both freestall barns and open corrals, noted greater impacts among cows in freestalls, according to their comparative analysis of energy-corrected milk production.

“Treated cows tended to have higher levels of production beforehand,” Zonneveld observes, suggesting that higher-producing cows bore the brunt of HPAI. The farm’s data indicates that untreated cows had a 20-pound milk recovery from their production lows, while treated cows rebounded with a 38-pound increase.

“That’s pretty significant,” he says. “So, basically, cows that are severely impacted by the bird flu likely benefited from those treatment protocols that we had, but we’re still evaluating the long-term effect and whether more treatment could have been done.”

The insights gained prompted Zonneveld to consider more extensive treatment protocols in future HPAI incidents. While acknowledging the difficulty, he believes in the benefits.

“Maybe we treat more cows, even though it’s a pain. It seems to be worth doing some of those things,” he reflects.

As Zonneveld and his team continue evaluating and refining their strategies, they provide a beacon of learning for other dairy operations facing similar challenges. The ongoing analysis of these treatments not only enhances their preparedness but also underscores the importance of adaptive management in the face of HPAI and other agricultural threats.

Your Next Read:
California Dreams: Transformation Through Innovation

Hungary Confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 22:43:19 GMT

Hungary reported its first case of foot-and-mouth disease in more than 50 years, on a cattle farm in the northwest of the country, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said, citing Hungarian authorities on March 7.

According to WOAH, the outbreak, discovered in the city of Gyor, is the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease outbreak reported since 1973. The case was found on a 1,400-strong cattle farm on the border with Slovakia, Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) reported on Friday .

The farm showed classic symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease at the beginning of March, the report says.

“The presence of the pathogen was confirmed by the Nébih laboratory, which is why Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the national chief veterinarian, immediately ordered the closure of the farm and the initiation of an epidemiological investigation,” the report says. " In order to prevent the further spread of the disease, extremely strict official measures will be implemented, including a ban on the transport of susceptible live animal species.”

On Jan. 10, Germany confirmed its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease since 1988. The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, near Berlin.

“The confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in Hungary comes less than two months after the virus was found in water buffalo in Germany,” the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) said in a statement. “Hungary does not share a border with Germany; FMD-affected animals are approximately 475 miles apart.”

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Not only is it highly contagious, but it also causes severe symptoms, including fever, painful blisters, reduced milk production and significant economic losses for farmers.

FMD poses no direct health risk to humans, but it’s important to note that they can act as carriers of the virus via contaminated clothing, shoes or equipment.

Your Next Read: An Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O in Germany

APHIS Answers Call to Protect Animal Agriculture

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:00:13 GMT

Despite facing many challenges, including the continued response to highly pathogenic avian influenza, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) worked to protect the health and value of America’s agricultural and natural resources.

“2024 was a year that confronted APHIS with new challenges. It was a year that forced us to find new and creative solutions to animal and plant health threats,” says Michael Watson, administrator for APHIS, in the 2024 Impact Report.

Here are a few highlights from the 2024 Impact Report surrounding animal agriculture:

Confirmed the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in a dairy herd in March 2024, and subsequently identified, investigated, and responded to H5N1 detections in livestock in over 860 herds across 17 states. APHIS issued two federal orders, implemented a producer support program, set up a voluntary monitoring and surveillance program for interested producers, and developed a national bulk milk testing strategy to help states protect the health of their dairy herds.
- Opened new market access for American agricultural exports, including U.S. rice to Ecuador, Texas grapefruit to South Korea, and California peaches and nectarines to Vietnam. APHIS also opened markets for U.S. live cattle, day-old chicks, and hatching eggs to Mozambique and beef and bone meal to Ecuador and Peru.
- Worked with regional partners in Central America to implement a multilateral response to the New World screwworm outbreak, increasing production of sterile flies weekly from 20 million to 90 million. These efforts, combined with rigorous surveillance and livestock inspections, protected U.S. borders from this devastating pest.
- Provided assistance to livestock producers on more than 123,000 occasions, including outreach and direct control activities to protect livestock from predation through a combination of techniques and tools. As much as possible, we responded using nonlethal methods like range riding, fladry, fencing, and husbandry practices.
Continued an emergency program to address nationwide detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the outbreak began in February 2022, we have confirmed the virus in over 1,300 poultry premises across the nation and supported affected producers through depopulation, disposal, and indemnification programs.
Protected American agriculture from harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases by intercepting 289,855 prohibited agricultural items and 3,008 quarantine-significant pests during baggage inspections. These inspections involved more than 16.7 million passengers bound for the U.S. mainland from Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Read the full report here.

An Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O in Germany

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:29:28 GMT

On Jan. 10, Germany confirmed its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) since 1988. The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, near Berlin.

“Water buffalo, introduced to Germany in the 1990s, are farmed for milk, meat, and grassland maintenance,” according to a summary by the team at the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) . They prepared a summary of the current FMDV situation in Germany for the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) as part of the SHIC Global Swine Disease Monitoring Reports.

Here are some key points:

Within the affected water buffalo herd, three infected buffalo died and the remaining herd of 11 animals was euthanized to contain the disease.
Authorities have implemented strict control measures, including the establishment of a 3 km exclusion zone and a 10 km monitoring zone, and are conducting investigations to determine the source and route of the infection.
Immediate actions included culling all susceptible animals within a 1 km radius, including a farm with 170 pigs and another location with 55 goats, sheep, and three cattle as a precaution.
A transport ban for livestock was imposed across Brandenburg and later extended to Berlin, lasting at least 72 hours.
Sampling of animals within a 3 km radius is ongoing to assess the outbreak’s spread.

Serotype O
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) identified the FMD virus as serotype O, a strain commonly found in the Middle East and Asia. Although, the exact route of entry remains unclear, the report says.

“The affected farm operates organically, using only its own hay for feed. The outbreak highlights the ongoing risk of FMD introduction into the EU through illegal trade and travel-related movement of animal products from FMD-endemic regions,” the report explains.

Germany, previously recognized as FMD-free along with the EU, has lost its status, triggering trade restrictions. Because of this, South Korea banned the import of German pork and quarantined 360 tons imported since December 27 for testing.

At the Green Week Agricultural Fair in Berlin, cloven-hoofed animals were excluded to mitigate risks.
In the Netherlands, 125 farms that recently imported calves from Brandenburg were ordered to suspend operations, and a nationwide standstill on calf transport was implemented until January 19.
Veal calf imports from Brandenburg were also banned.
Export to countries within the European Union’s single market is still possible for products that originate outside the restricted zones, under the principle of regionalization.

Germany’s FMD antigen bank, established for emergencies like this, holds serotype-specific vaccines and can produce them within days, the report says. Vaccines must be tailored precisely to the specific serotypen because vaccines against other strains are ineffective.

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Not only is it highly contagious, but it also causes severe symptoms, including fever, painful blisters, reduced milk production and significant economic losses for farmers.

FMD poses no direct health risk to humans, but it’s important to note that they can act as carriers of the virus via contaminated clothing, shoes or equipment.

“Past outbreaks in Europe, such as those in the UK (2007) and Bulgaria (2011), resulted in extensive culling of livestock to control the disease,” the report says. “The current outbreak underscores the importance of biosecurity measures, rapid response and vigilance to protect agriculture and livestock from this economically devastating disease.”

Summary of New FMDV Strains into New Territories (2022 to date):

2022
Egypt: South American strains A/EURO-SA, and O/EURO-SA, were isolated from a batch of Egyptian samples tested by the World Reference Laboratory (WRLFMD).

Libya: FMD virus O/EA-3, a strain from East Africa was detected.

Iraq: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, closely related to viruses from Ethiopia was detected. It was observed to cause more severe clinical disease.

Jordan: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, closely related to viruses from Ethiopia was reported in the country.

Türkiye: FMD virus SAT2/XIV, was reported for the first time.

2023
Qatar: FMDV SAT1/I topotype, a virus with close sequence identity to a virus from Kenya was reported for the first time.

Algeria: Virus of the SAT2 topotype (SAT2/V) detected for the first time. Viruses from this lineage were last found in Ghana (1991), Togo (1990) and Ivory Coast (1990).

2024
Libya: A new incursion of FMDV O/EA-3 which is endemic to East Africa

Türkiye: Re-emergence of a virus strain originally from Iran, FMDV A/ASIA/Iran-05FAR-11

2025
Germany: Recurrence of FMD after 37 years. The National Reference Laboratory at the FLI confirmed the virus Serotype as type O, although the virus strain, origin, and route of entry into Germany are yet to be determined.

Your Next Read: Scientists Discover New Test to Detect African Swine Fever on Surfaces

California Issues New Ban on Dairy Cattle and Poultry Shows in Response to H5N1 Bird Flu

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:42:37 GMT

California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has issued a statewide ban on exhibiting dairy cattle and poultry at fairs and shows due to the ongoing spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among dairy herds and domestic poultry. This decision, which comes in the wake of Governor Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency declaration last month, is aimed at curbing the devastating effects of the outbreak on California’s livestock and poultry industries.

“Due to the continued spread of H5N1 Bird Flu in California, the State Veterinarian has implemented a ban on all California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at fairs and shows immediately until further notice,” the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced in a press release. “This action is required to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the disease.”

The outbreak, which began in the state in August 2024, has affected over 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks, impacting more than 15 million birds across California. Within the last 30 days, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports that 149 new confirmed cases had been detected within the state. With new infections still being detected, the ban is a step to prevent further spread of the virus.

Currently the CDFA is urging dairy and poultry owners to take immediate action by implementing strict biosecurity measures. These include preventing the mingling of livestock with wild birds or other infected animals, avoiding the movement or sharing of potentially contaminated equipment, and ensuring rigorous sanitation practices.

“Enhanced biosecurity is essential to protecting livestock and poultry from this devastating disease,” the CDFA stated. “Producers must prevent contact with wild bird populations and avoid any practices that might facilitate the transfer of the virus.”

Clinical signs of H5N1 Bird Flu in cattle include reduced feed consumption, a marked drop in milk production—sometimes resulting in thick, colostrum-like milk or no milk production at all—respiratory distress, nasal discharge, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and abnormal feces.

The ban on exhibitions is expected to remain in effect until the outbreak is under control, with officials monitoring the situation closely.

Your Next Read: Fake Farmer Steals $8.75M In Green Energy Scam

California Issues State of Emergency Warning in Response to More Bird Flu Found on Dairies

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:45:29 GMT

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently proclaimed a State of Emergency to accelerate California’s response to avian influenza A (H5N1), or more commonly known as ‘bird flu.’

According to Newsom, this action comes as cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California, signaling the need to expand monitoring further and build on the coordinated statewide approach to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”

State health officials have reported that cases of H5N1 have been found on 641 dairy farms. The first confirmed case in the state occurred earlier in August, but roughly half of the farms were identified within the last month.

So far, no person-to-person transmission of H5N1 has been reported in California, and nearly all infected individuals have had direct exposure to infected cattle.

According to Newsom, the state has implemented the nation’s most extensive testing and monitoring system to address the outbreak. This recent declaration aims to bolster the state agencies’ response by providing additional staff and resources for testing, heightened quarantine measures, and distributing personal protective equipment to high-risk dairy employees.

Since its initial detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024, the virus has spread to dairy cattle in 16 states.

Your Next Read: USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds

Seismic Change Ahead for Dairy

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:11:04 GMT

In the rapidly evolving landscape of agriculture, dairy farming finds itself at a pivotal moment. Randy Mooney, board chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), emphasized the increasing changes impacting dairy farmers today are more seismic than ever before at the recent joint annual meetings between United Dairy Industry Association, National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, and National Milk Producers Federation in Phoenix, Az.

Understanding the Impact of FMMO Rulings
While the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) rulings will affect dairy producers differently, depending on where they ship their milk, Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, applauded the endless efforts by staff and industry leaders in this process that will provide a much-needed template to revamp and revise the process down the road. A vote by dairy farmers on this proposal will come early next year.

Gregg Doud

(NMPF)

Both leaders shared that these changes introduce new dynamics into the dairy industry, necessitating unprecedented levels of cooperation and coordination among stakeholders.

“Everything we do, the future is going to take a level of cooperation and coordination from all of us. And we’ve had that, but it’s going to take more than we’ve ever had,” Mooney, a dairy farmer near Rogersville, Mo., says. He went on to applaud dairy farmers for their resilience in the face of challenges such as the expiration of the farm bill, extreme weather events like recent hurricanes in the Southeast and unforeseen issues such as the H5N1 outbreak. Mooney acknowledged these factors create significant strains on farms, families and finances.

Revised Biosecurity Measures
NMPF’s FARM Executive Director Emily Yeiser Stepp shared with the audience that many practices already established have been serving dairy farms under H5N1.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives have developed and embraced a robust biosecurity program through the National Dairy FARM Program,” Emily Yeiser Stepp said. “This program has been adapted and adopted by dairy farms across the U.S. to prevent the spread of H5N1.”

Future Investments
Both leaders remarked on the significant investments being funneled into the industry to bolster dairy’s future. This growth is crucial, as the dairy sector prepares for the expansion of manufacturing plants.

“What’s going on in this country right now is you have 7 billion in new investment and new processing, moving this industry forward, making it bigger, and investing in your future,” Doud says.

Dairy farming remains an essential component of the global food supply chain, providing nourishment to many, even amid worldwide challenges. Mooney emphasizes the privilege and responsibility that come with being a part of this sector, portraying it as a service to humanity that transcends individual ambitions.

“I continue to be inspired by all of you and the work that you’re doing,” he says. “Amid great change and preparation for the future, we are still part of the greatest industry that there is.”

Navigating HPAI: Supporting Producers and Safeguarding Cows

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:04:24 GMT

The first person who will notice illness in the herd is the one who works hands-on with the cows. It’s a cow that just looks off, a drop in production or changes in cow activity and behavior that triggers a call to the vet, monitoring or treating. Treatment is on a case-by-case basis, depending on which cow it is and what’s going on.

But for matters of trade and human health, the health of the entire U.S. herd must be addressed systematically. Rosemary B. Sifford, DVM; Deputy Administrator; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says disease monitoring actually looks very similar on the state and national level. “Except, of course, we’re looking across all the herds. In some cases, we do have surveillance programs in place for diseases that we that we know are of concern for us.”

She adds, “Our trade partners are very interested in what controls we put in place and how we eradicate diseases, so we share that information, and that helps to build their confidence, and allows us to trade, even sometimes in the face of an outbreak.”

Top of mind right now is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and Sifford says that although this battle has been a long one, the USDA team can effectively follow protocols that have been laid out for other viral diseases in the past.

“Our action strategy is really made up of four key parts,” she says. “Understanding the virus in the cattle, understanding how it’s moving and what the effects are on the cattle, how it’s distributed amongst the cattle herd, and being able to address that by mitigating the movement of the virus, and then providing support to the producers to ensure business continuity.”

Ken McCarty, one of the owners of McCarty Family Farms in western Kansas identifies factors that are largely beyond their control as events they are closely watching. Events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and their subsequent effects on fuel and commodity markets exemplify these difficulties.

“Those sort of ‘black swan events’ that used to be once in a decade now appear to be occurring yearly or every couple of years,” McCarty explained. In response, the farm aims to price-proof their operations, ensuring they can withstand these unpredictable shifts.

HPAI was not on the 2024 radar for McCarty Farms. Nonetheless, their prior planning for foreign animal disease outbreaks allowed them to quickly adapt and take necessary actions. As they put it, “It’s those types of events that are midterm challenges that we’re always trying to prepare for.”

Sifford emphasizes that farmers are not alone in prevention or treatment for HPAI. “We do have a number of financial incentives available to help producers through all of this, from covering the testing and some of the veterinary costs, to having somebody come out and help you with a biosecurity plan or audit, personal protective equipment for employees,” she says.

“We really encourage producers to be involved in the status program, because this is an important way for us to understand where the virus is and what’s going on, and it gives producers a level of confidence that they’ve maintained the biosecurity necessary to keep from having to worry about the virus.”

Find more HPAI resources and support at www.aphis.usda.gov .

Your Next Read: Will Record Milk Prices See an Encore Performance in 2025?

USDA Approves New H5N1 Vaccine Trial for Dairy Cattle

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:12:31 GMT

As we near 200-herds being impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the USDA says work is moving forward on a vaccine.

The agency has recently announced plans to conduct field trials for a vaccine aimed at preventing H5N1 from infecting dairy cows.

While four vaccines are licensed for avian influenza, none are approved for the current strain. And while a number of companies are working on a vaccine, the ag secretary says one company has presented sufficient information to allow him to authorize the first field trial.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to develop [a vaccine] in the near term with the information in this field trial,” says USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack. “That will allow us to determine whether we can go to the next level, next set of steps necessary to ensure safe and effective use of the vaccine.”

The vaccine work is being overseen by USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics.

The secretary’s announcement comes after several ag industries, including dairy groups like the National Milk Producers Federation, sent a letter to the secretary supporting the development of a safe and effective vaccine one that can be used for dairy cows, turkeys and egg-laying hens.

Your Next Read: USDA’s Latest Farm Income Data Looks Brighter Than Early 2024 Numbers

The Big Reveal from the Latest Milk Production Report

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:16:43 GMT

The latest USDA Milk Production report for July reflects a continuing downward trend, echoing the declines that milk production reports have consistently documented month after month in 2024. While this may seem like a case of “been there, done that,” a deeper dive into the data reveals some surprises worth noting.

Surprising Revisions in June Figures
Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insights, pointed out particular states where the milk production figures were revised downwards more substantially than anticipated. States such as Colorado, Idaho, and Iowa, which have been dealing with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, saw significant drops, including:

Colorado: Revised to -3.7% from an initial -1.1%
Idaho: Revised to -2.8% from an initial -1.0%
Iowa: Revised to -1.6% from an initial +1.2%

From a market perspective, Plourd expressed uncertainty about the implications of these revised numbers.

“I don’t know for sure, but looking at this list, some of the states that dropped lower seemed to be states that, anecdotally, were dealing with HPAI outbreaks,” Plourd reported. He added, “From a market perspective, I’m not sure what we do with the knowledge that things in June were worse than initially believed.”

Cow Numbers: A Glimmer of Hope?
While milk production has faced challenges, the situation with cow numbers offered a more nuanced picture. According to Plourd, despite light slaughter numbers, there was an increase of 3,000 head in cow numbers for the month. He noted that the current economic conditions are favorable for production, suggesting that eventually, weather conditions will cooperate more universally. Plourd shares that the U.S. dairy cow story may be more interesting, as slaughter is running light.

“The big questions is how much we can really grow milk production given how tight we are on animals,” Plourd asks.

Detailed Production Figures
The USDA reported that July milk production in the 24 major states totaled 18.2 billion lbs., down 0.2% from July 2023. The revised production figures for June stood at 17.9 billion lbs., down 1.5% from June 2023—a revision indicating a decrease of 137 million lbs., or 0.8% from last month’s preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 2,047 lbs. for July, which is 2 lbs. above July 2023. The number of milk cows on farms in these states was 8.88 million head, 31,000 head less than July 2023, but 3,000 head more than June 2024.

Furthermore, New Mexico experienced the largest decline, down 48 million lbs. (-8.9%) and 31,000 head to 491 million lbs., while South Dakota gained 29 million lbs. (+7.4%) to 420 million.

Four States Sign on for Voluntary H5N1 Testing of Bulk Milk Tanks

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:32:39 GMT

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced four states – Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas – are launching a voluntary pilot program to test bulk milk tanks on dairy farms for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1.

Eric Deeble, the acting senior advisor for the H5N1 response at USDA, made the announcement. He noted that there are roughly a dozen additional states interested in participating in the testing.

“But it was important for us to get these four states going so that other states could watch how the program works and gain additional confidence,” Deeble said during a media briefing.*

Routine Bulk Milk Sampling
According to USDA, farmers who voluntarily enter the program will be able to move their herds across state lines without additional testing after bulk milk tanks or similar representative samples test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks.

“Producers must also comply with continued regular weekly monitoring and testing of their herd for H5N1, but that process can happen with very little effort on the part of the producer, using routine bulk milk samples,” Deeble said during his remarks.

To date, 20 herds are now enrolled in USDA financial support programs. Deeble said that number is increasing.
FDA Announces Expanded Testing

More Food Testing

Also on Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is expanding its H5N1 testing to a include a wider range of dairy products. The products will include aged raw-milk cheese, cream cheese, butter, and ice cream, according to Don Prater, DVM and acting director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Nutrition.

In its update, FDA said it will test 155 dairy products collected from retail outlets for H5N1.
The samples being tested include dairy products processed in states that were not included in the agency’s first phase of retail research, the FDA said.

“Additional samples are being taken from areas included in our previous survey to help provide a more representative picture based on the level of dairy product production that occurs in certain regions.”

Individual State Efforts

State governments continue to take proactive measures to address H5N1 in dairy and poultry operations. These include:

Epidemiological Strike Teams
USDA has authorized additional epidemiological strike teams to assist with impacted poultry and dairy farms in Iowa. Researchers have been on the ground in Iowa, for instance, over the past few weeks, according to State Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. He said USDA is conducting interviews, looking for links between cases, and trying to better understand how the virus may have been introduced into the flocks and herds. Investigations are ongoing and are intended to result in specific biosecurity recommendations that can help farmers and producers better protect their livestock going forward.

USDA Wildlife Services
USDA Wildlife Services personnel continue to work with impacted farms to assist in the surveying of disease in wildlife around Iowa poultry and dairy facilities. From wild birds to rodents, these professionals are capturing wildlife samples for testing to determine the degree to which the virus is present in wildlife on these farms. These investigations, which are ongoing, are helping to inform biosecurity recommendations as well as aid in epidemiological investigations.

*Portions of this article were reported by the States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

USDA Identifies Ways HPAI H5N1 Has Likely Spread in Michigan Dairy and Poultry Operations

Double Trouble from Flooding and H5N1 hits Some Iowa Farms

USDA to Provide an Additional $824 million to Protect Livestock from H5N1

USDA Identifies Ways HPAI H5N1 Has Likely Spread in Michigan Dairy and Poultry Operations

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:29:29 GMT

On June 9, the USDA issued a report that summarizes the findings from field epidemiological investigations of disease spread between premises for 15 dairy herds and eight poultry flocks confirmed with HPAI genotype B3.13 in Michigan.

The following information is pulled from the USDA’s 2024 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) - Michigan Dairy Herd and Poultry Flock Summary (see Michigan Dairy Herd and Poultry Flock Summary ).

The information offers potential insights for how the dairy and poultry industries in states beyond Michigan likely have been impacted, as well.

A ‘Eurasian Lineage Goose’

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of viruses from the dairy and poultry premises identified Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 on the Michigan farms and suggests likely indirect transfer of virus from the dairy premises to the poultry premises.

USDA reports that interstate animal movement initially introduced the HPAI genotype B3.13 virus from Texas into a Michigan dairy. However, USDA says the continued disease transmission within Michigan has been determined to be multifactorial.

Transmission between farms is likely due to indirect epidemiological links related to normal business operations such as numerous people, vehicles, and other conveyances frequently moving on and off the affected dairy premises, with many of these indirect links shared between premises.

Importantly, USDA says, disease spread due to independent introduction of the virus onto dairy or poultry premises from migratory waterfowl is not supported based on both genomic and epidemiological data analysis.

Key findings identified to date and potential risk factors for local transmission in Michigan specifically, include:

Shared personnel between premises
o 20% of affected dairies’ employees and 7% of dairies’ employees family members work on other dairy premises

o 7% of affected dairies’ employees also work on poultry premises; 13% of affected dairies’ employees have family members who work on poultry premises

o 31% of dairies have employees who own livestock or poultry at their personal residence

Shared vehicles between premises
o 62% of affected dairy premises use shared vehicles to transport cattle, with only 12% of premises cleaning vehicles before use

Frequent visitors on/off premises
o 100% of affected dairy premises have regular visits by veterinarians, nutritionist/feed consultant, and/or contract haulers (e.g., cattle or manure); the majority of these visitors have direct contact with cattle

o 40% of affected dairy premises have regular visits for deadstock removal, with 20% having direct contact with cattle. Furthermore:

-53% of affected dairies utilized the same deadstock removal company and 40% had animals removed from the premises by that company within 30 days prior to clinical onset

o Milk haulers visit dairy premises, on average, 34 times within a 30-day time period. Furthermore:

-93.3% of affected dairy premises are part of the same milk co-op with at least one other affected dairy premises within the state (i.e., only one of the affected dairy herds is part of a milk co-op that none of the other 14 affected dairy herds belong to)

Disease Spread Between Dairy and Poultry Premises
Apart from the potential for resident wild birds or peri-domestic species to move and transmit the virus, the only other potential transmission routes found from dairy herds to the poultry flocks were through shared employment, housing, or movement of employees.

Approximately 22 employees of three poultry flocks worked weekend shifts at two different dairy premises. Shared housing between dairy and poultry workers was identified between three poultry premises and two dairy premises. It is also possible that dairy employees have social contact with poultry premises employees, USDA reports.

In Summary
The investigations discussed in this report, including the respective WGS information, indicate that HPAI H5N1 genotype B3.13 was introduced into Michigan through animal movement from Texas and subsequently spread within the state between dairy premises with spillover into poultry premises through multiple possible routes.

Factors that appear to be of greater risk for introduction into a dairy premises may be mitigated through enhanced biosecurity, increased animal testing, and potentially through within-state animal movement restrictions if they can be implemented without impacting animal welfare.

USDA says the willingness of Michigan producers to participate in these investigations has greatly increased the body of knowledge of HPAI H5N1 B3.13 detections in Michigan and throughout the nation; this report could not have been completed without them.

For more information on the H5N1 issue:

H5N1 Virus Found in Beef for First Time, FSIS Says

FDA Says New Round of Tests Prove the U.S. Milk Supply is Safe From H5N1 Virus

USDA Now Requiring Mandatory Testing and Reporting of HPAI in Dairy Cattle as New Data Suggests Virus Outbreak is More Widespread

APHIS To Require Electronic Animal ID for Certain Cattle and Bison

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:29:58 GMT

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has taken another step toward limiting the impact of an outbreak of foreign animal diseases by amending and strengthening its animal disease traceability regulations for certain cattle and bison. By requiring electronic animal identification for certain cattle and bison, APHIS put into place the technology, tools and processes to help industry stakeholders quickly pinpoint and respond to a foreign animal disease outbreak.

“Rapid traceability in a disease outbreak will not only limit how long farms are quarantined, keep more animals from getting sick, and help ranchers and farmers get back to selling their products more quickly – but will help keep our markets open,” said Dr. Michael Watson, APHIS administrator.

APHIS said one to the rule’s most significant benefits for farmers and ranchers will be the enhanced ability of the United States to limit impacts of animal disease outbreaks to certain regions, which the agency called a “key to maintaining our foreign markets. By being able to readily prove disease-free status in non-affected regions of the United States, we will be able to request foreign trading partners recognize disease-free regions or zones instead of cutting off trade for the entire country. Traceability of animals is necessary to establish these disease-free zones and facilitate reestablishment of foreign and domestic market access with minimum delay in the wake of an animal disease event.”

The April announcement enhances a rule finalized in 2013 for the official identification of livestock and documentation for certain interstate movements of livestock.

The final rule applies to all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events, and cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

The rule requires official eartags to be visually and electronically readable for official use for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison, and revises and clarifies certain record requirements related to cattle.

“USDA’s final traceability rule updates the existing requirement for animal identification that has been in place since 2013, switching from solely visual tags to tags that are both electronically and visually readable for certain classes of cattle moving interstate,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher.

“Many producers are already familiar with using these visual tags and under the new rule, they will instead use electronic tags. NCBA has worked hard to secure $15 million in funding for producers to reduce the cost of implementing this change. We also remain committed to safeguarding producers’ private data and continuing to reduce the cost of ear tags for farmers and ranchers. Our industry faces a tremendous threat from the risk of a future foreign animal disease on American soil. To avoid devastating financial losses during a potential outbreak and to help producers quickly return to commerce, we need an efficient animal disease traceability system.”

USDA said it is committed to implementing a modern animal disease traceability system that tracks animals from birth to slaughter using affordable technology that allows for quick tracing of sick and exposed animals to stop disease spread. USDA will continue to provide tags to producers free of charge to jumpstart efforts to enable the fastest possible response to a foreign animal disease.

To obtain electronic ID tags at no cost, APHIS directs producers to contact their State Veterinarian.

A copy of this rule may be viewed at the APHIS website, and the rule will be published in the Federal Register in the coming weeks. This rule will be effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.

To learn more about animal disease traceability and how APHIS responds to animal disease outbreaks, visit www.aphis.usda.gov.

US to Test Ground Beef in States With Bird-Flu Outbreaks in Dairy Cows

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:59:33 GMT

The U.S. government said on Monday it is collecting samples of ground beef at retail stores in states with outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cows for testing but remains confident the meat supply is safe.

Federal officials are seeking to verify the safety of milk and meat after confirming the H5N1 virus in 34 dairy cattle herds in nine states since late March, and in one person in Texas.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have said the overall public health risk is low, but is higher for those with exposure to infected animals.

Scientists believe outbreaks are more widespread in cows than officially reported based on findings of H5N1 particles in about 20% of milk samples. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that preliminary results of gold-standard PCR tests showed pasteurization killed the bird flu virus in milk, though.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will analyze retail ground beef samples with PCR tests that indicate “whether any viral particles are present,” according to a statement. Some
dairy cows are processed into ground beef when they grow old.

The USDA on Monday began requiring lactating dairy cows to test negative for bird flu before being moved across state lines as officials seek to contain the virus.

The department said this weekend that testing is not required for cows that are shipped over state lines directly to slaughter facilities from barns where they are sold. Those
cattle only need documentation showing they were inspected by a veterinarian.

The USDA said it inspects each animal before slaughter, and all cattle carcasses must pass inspection after slaughter to enter the human food supply.

Last week USDA said it had found bird flu in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic dairy cow that was sent to slaughter from an infected herd. The animal did not enter the food supply, according to the department.

The USDA is now collecting beef muscle samples at slaughter facilities of dairy cattle that have been condemned to determine the presence of viral particles, according to the statement. Any positive PCR tests for retail or slaughter samples will be evaluated for live virus, the USDA said.

The USDA will also use a “virus surrogate” in ground beef and cook it at different temperatures to determine how the virus is affected, according to the statement. It said cooking meat to a safe internal temperature kills bacteria and viruses

Colombia restricted the import of beef and beef products coming from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza as of April 15, according to the USDA.

There are no known cases of bird flu in beef cattle so far.

The human case in the current outbreak was in a Texas farm worker who suffered conjunctivitis following exposure to dairy cows.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Marguerita Choy)