US Dairy Farmers Battling Bird Flu Outbreaks
Heightening Defenses Amid Avian Influenza Spread
As the United States grapples with the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), dairy farmers are ramping up their defenses. Measures include banning visitors, removing trees to deter wild birds, and disinfecting incoming vehicles.
State Outbreaks and Lingering Concerns
North Carolina recently joined six other states in reporting HPAI outbreaks in dairy herds. While initial cases were linked to wild birds in Texas and Kansas, transmission among cattle is also a concern. Infected herds in Ohio and Michigan reportedly received cattle from Texas.
Interviews with dairy farmers in multiple states reveal heightened safety precautions, with some exceeding government guidelines to protect their herds.
Enhanced Safety Measures on Dairy Farms
“Our farm is now like a gated community for cows,” says Karen Jordan from North Carolina. Visitors are limited to prevent contamination, while trees are being cleared to avoid attracting migratory birds.
The recent outbreaks have raised fears of reduced milk production, impacting the $60 billion industry. While cows seem to recover from HPAI, lactating cows in infected herds face decreased milk production, necessitating isolation and milk disposal.
Concerns over milk safety led to a drop in demand, despite assurances that pasteurization renders milk safe. Farmers are advised to adopt stringent milking practices and minimize cattle movement to contain the virus.
Farmers Facing Challenges
Amid uncertainty over virus transmission, states like Idaho and North Carolina have imposed additional shipment requirements to safeguard their herds. Measures include permits for cattle movement and enhanced monitoring.
Producers like Steve Obert in Indiana are taking proactive steps, such as disinfecting truck wheels, to prevent virus spread on farms with large stocks of feed that attract wild birds.
Staying Vigilant Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the challenges, dairy farmers like Pollard in Illinois and Mayer in Wisconsin are vigilant, implementing isolation protocols and maintaining farm cleanliness to combat potential virus exposure.
Efforts to keep wild birds away from feed supplies continue, with industry experts highlighting the ongoing battle to prevent contamination on dairy farms.
