Dairy-cattle rules updated

In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza – HPAI H5N1 – in dairy cattle, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is as of June 19 started requiring Influenza A testing prior to movement of lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has in the past 30 days confirmed the presence of HPAI H5N1 in 65 dairy herds in eight states including Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has recommended that measures be taken to minimize the potential spread of influenza. In addition to the USDA Federal Order that requires Influenza A testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle, the Wisconsin ag department’s announcement will limit the risk of commingling infected animals.

In order to move lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions within the state, producers must receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory with samples collected no more than seven days prior to movement to the fair or exhibition. The testing is available to producers at no cost through the USDA at those laboratories. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples. The intrastate order requiring a negative Influenza A test prior to traveling to a show or exhibition will remain in effect until 60 days after the last detection of H5N1 in cattle herds in the United States. As of June 27 there have not been any detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Wisconsin cattle, poultry or wildlife with the genotype associated with dairy-cattle detections in other states.

The USDA has begun accepting applications through the updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program to provide financial assistance to affected herds. Eligible dairy producers must have incurred milk losses due to highly pathogenic avian influenza infection. Positive test results must be confirmed through a USDA lab. As a reminder, the USDA also has expanded support for producers who are affected and not affected by HPAI H5N1 including biosecurity planning, shipping costs and veterinary-cost reimbursement.

And the USDA has a Dairy Herd Status Program that offers dairy producers more options to monitor the health of their herds and move cows interstate while further reducing virus spread.

“USDA remains committed to working with producers, state veterinarians, animal-health professionals and our federal partners as we continue to detect the presence of H5N1 in dairy herds and take additional measures to contain the spread of the disease,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “When something unexpected like H5N1 threatens the economic viability of the producers we serve, we are committed to finding ways, where we have the authority to do so, to revisit existing program policies and provide the financial support needed to help producers recover and sustain production.”

Producers should continue to enhance their biosecurity efforts as well as monitor and control disease in their herds and flocks. The Wisconsin ag department is closely monitoring HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle and continues to encourage producers who notice unusual clinical signs in their cattle to work with their herd veterinarians. To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact the ag department at 608-224-4872 during business hours or at 800-943-0003 after hours and during weekends.

Exhibitor biosecurity – Dairy producers should prioritize protecting the health of their home farms and review biosecurity practices with their herd veterinarians. If dairy producers choose to participate in shows and exhibitions, consider these guidelines.

• Isolate animals that return from a show or exhibition from the home herd for at least two weeks.

• Test animals that return from a show or exhibition prior to reintroduction to the home herd.