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Sick Dairy Cows Recovering From HPAI
By Jennifer Carrico
Thursday, March 28, 2024 7:27AM CDT

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Following several tests for other illnesses, dairy cows in herds in Texas and Kansas have been confirmed to carry a strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on March 25.

This is the first time HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle. "The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas underscores the importance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for disease, and immediately involving your veterinarian when something seems 'off,'" said Rena Carlson, veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The unpasteurized milk sample from a dairy farm in Texas and two in Kansas showed positive tests for HPAI, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from a different dairy in Texas. Cows at a dairy in New Mexico had also shown a mysterious illness earlier in March.

The sick cows had symptoms that included a decrease in milk production, fever, change in stool and seemed to have a change in milk similar to mastitis. After a few weeks, the virus seemed to have run its course and the cows recovered.

Phillip Jardon, dairy extension veterinarian at Iowa State University, said this illness seems to affect older lactating cows and not fresh cows, younger cows or heifers. "About 10% of the cows at these dairies have become sick and are put in the hospital pens. None have died from the virus and for the most part, cows are back into production after a couple weeks," he said.

While it is not common to find these kinds of viruses jumping from one species to another, a goat on a farm in Minnesota recently tested positive for HPAI at a farm that housed chickens that had been depopulated for carrying the virus. The HPAI virus has also been found in some rodents at poultry facilities that were depopulated, according to Jardon.

WILD BIRDS ARE VIRUS SOURCE

The source of HPAI at these dairies appears to be wild migratory birds. USDA Officials have stressed that this virus is killed in the pasteurization process and thus does not pose a threat to humans consuming milk or dairy products. Dairies are only sending milk from healthy animals for consumption. The milk from affected animals is being diverted or destroyed and not entering the food supply.

Veterinarians, including Iowa's State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand, stressed the importance of reporting any changes in the health of dairy cows to the herd veterinarian and the state department of agriculture. "This is the perfect time to review biosecurity on your farm and know if you are taking the proper measures to keep diseases away from your animals," Kaisand said. "As of now, the USDA is not planning to quarantine dairy herds with HPAI, but this is an evolving situation, and we will keep you up to date on any changes."

WATCH ANIMALS FOR HEALTH CONCERNS

It was also advised to keep new animals isolated on the farm or in an off-farm facility to be sure they are healthy before being introduced to the main herd. While this virus is thought to be transmitted from bird to cow, they are unsure if it can be transmitted from cow to cow.

Monitoring the situation continues to be important as migratory birds make their way to spring and summer landing areas. Many states have dealt with HPAI in the poultry industry for the past few years. There have been no cases found in beef cattle according to Jardon. Additional testing is underway on the positive dairy cows, including genome sequencing, to characterize the HPAI strain associated with these illnesses.

"While treatment is directed through herd veterinarians, it appears that these dairy cows need mostly supportive care with additional fluids. If a secondary infection is found, antibiotics would possibly be used, but all animals are cleared of infection prior to milk being considered safe for the food supply," Jardon said.

Kaisand stressed the importance of cleaning water sources frequently for preventative measures. As more information is found on the outbreak, officials will make further recommendations to livestock producers and consumers.

Read more from DTN Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart, "Is Cattle Market's Reaction to HPAI Justified?": https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JennCattleGal

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