With the coming of autumn begins the season of bird migration. A strain of the avian flu, known as the HPAI strain, has thus far affected 192 dairy farms in 13 states. While it has not yet made it to the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic areas of the country, dairy farmers in those areas are being encouraged to explore biosecurity plans in anticipation of potential avian influenza outbreaks. Migratory birds are known carriers of various pathogens, including those responsible for avian influenza and other diseases, and thus dairy farms face significant biosecurity challenges that can impact herd health and farm productivity.
Birds can introduce viruses into feed, water, and farm buildings, potentially compromising the health of dairy cattle and leading to an increased risk of secondary infections or complications. Experts are currently investigating to understand how the disease transfers from birds to cattle, and even cattle to people – one individual in Texas was confirmed to have been infected from exposure to cattle.
Measures such as securing feed storage, ensuring clean water supplies, creating barriers to discourage wild birds from entering farms, and limiting access to areas frequented by birds can help reduce the likelihood of pathogen introduction and spread. It’s also recommended that farms pause nonessential visits, avoid importing cattle from affected farms or isolate them for 21 days if they do, and assign someone to manage biosecurity plans and protocols on the farm.
Additionally, dairy farmers should maintain vigilant monitoring of their herds during migration seasons. Regular health checks and immediate reporting of any signs of illness are essential in detecting and managing potential outbreaks early. Farm staff should be trained to recognize symptoms and to respond swiftly to any health issues that arise, ensuring prompt intervention and treatment if necessary. Discolored milk, decreased rumination, and fevers can all be indicators of illness.
By addressing biosecurity concerns proactively, dairy farmers can safeguard their livestock against potential disease threats and maintain the health and productivity of their operations.
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