Dairy and Veterinary Experts from Iowa State to Give Update on Avian Influenza in Ruminants

By Phillip Jardon and Fred M. Hall

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team will host a second “virtual chat” to discuss the latest information on how Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is affecting dairy cows.

A team of experts from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine will join the State Veterinarian and ISU Extension and Outreach for a live discussion on Wednesday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

Information about the illness continues to increase daily, so this program will discuss the latest on the HPAI infection effecting dairy ruminant herds and poultry flocks.

“The knowledge on the illness is growing daily, so this program is intended to keep producers and industry consultants informed with the most current, research-based information,” said Fred Hall, a dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach in northwest Iowa. “Our presenters are leading the state and national discussions on diagnostics and identifications of HPAI in ruminants.”

The agenda includes:

• Pat Gorden, DVM, with the Iowa State Veterinary College Field Services: History of the disease and practicing veterinarians’ perspective.
• Drew Magstadt, DVM, with the Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: Perspectives on diagnostic tests.
• Yuko Sato, DVM, with the Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: What is HPAI virus? What can the dairy industry learn from the poultry industry?
• Jeff Kaisand, DVM, Iowa’s State Veterinarian: State’s perspective on HPAI virus in dairy ruminants.
• Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM, owner of Preventalytics: Protecting Your Dairy Herd Q&A.

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free virtual chat at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. No registration is required. To join, click the following url: https://go.iastate.edu/BOVINEA.

The password is: 904903.