By Andi Anderson
On March 29, 2024, Michigan confirmed its first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd. Since then, the virus has spread to 28 additional dairy herds across the state, highlighting the urgent need for proactive biosecurity and disease response plans.
Although HPAI is more commonly associated with poultry, it has now impacted cattle, with symptoms including reduced feed intake, decreased milk production, fever, discolored milk, and loose manure.
While mortality is low, the financial and operational impacts are high. A study led by Zelmar Rodriguez estimated the cost of an HPAI outbreak to be $504 per infected cow or $158 per cow in the herd.
Despite changes in laws and testing requirements, one thing remains clear: a strong biosecurity plan is vital. It may not guarantee prevention, but it significantly reduces risk.
Effective biosecurity measures include:
- Isolating sick animals and attending to healthy ones first.
- Preventing contact between cattle and wild or domestic birds by reducing standing water and using deterrents or fencing.
- Consistently cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment, especially when moving between farm areas.
- Using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining it well.
- Creating an emergency contact plan involving veterinarians and local officials.
- Establishing a line of separation with defined entry points and sanitation stations to keep contaminants off the farm.
Employee education plays a crucial role. Bilingual written instructions and visual reminders can improve compliance, especially on diverse dairy operations.
MSU Extension offers resources to help producers manage these challenges. Implementing proper plans today can help safeguard farms against future outbreaks and protect both animal and human health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture