By Jamie Martin
As H5N1 continues to impact dairy herds across the United States, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stresses the importance of stringent biosecurity measures.
The virus, which affects dairy cattle differently than birds, can cause a temporary drop in milk production and general malaise in cows, though it is rarely fatal. To manage the disease, the USDA recommends thorough testing and specialized biosecurity practices, including disinfection and movement control.
Last winter, H5N1 was transmitted from migrating wild birds to dairy cattle, marking a significant shift in disease dynamics. The USDA has responded with a Federal Order requiring pre-movement testing of lactating cows across state lines, enhancing detection and management of the disease.
Additionally, the USDA offers extensive support to producers, including free testing, shipping for samples, veterinary costs, and personal protective equipment.
Realizing the risk of the disease spreading through milk splash or contaminated equipment, USDA's guidelines include enhanced cleaning routines and restricted farm access to prevent further outbreaks. The agency also supports producers financially through the ELAP program, compensating for production losses due to H5N1.
Collaborations with federal health agencies ensure the safety of the food supply and the health of farm workers. Continued efforts include developing a cattle-specific H5N1 vaccine, with ongoing research aiming to eliminate the virus entirely from dairy herds.
The USDA's comprehensive approach underscores the critical role of biosecurity in maintaining the health of the nation's dairy cattle and by extension, the rural economy.
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Categories: National