Over the last few days, several new updates and resources have been released about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the steps PA dairy farmers can take moving forward. Here’s an overview of these updates:
You can help prepare for the response by providing your premises data to PDA/VS ahead of an outbreak. Please send the below information to Dr. Kellie Hough (APHIS VS, District Emergency Coordinator, PA/WV) by email (kellie.a.hough@usda.gov) or call (614) 230-4140. Include the following information:
- Premises ID
- Name of Premises
- Address of Animals
- Type of Operation – Milk production, replacements, etc
- Other Species present on the farm
- Contact Information (name, phone, email)
- Corporate /Co-Op Affiliation (if any)
Lactating Dairy Cow Health Monitoring Program and Testimonial From Michigan Dairy Farmer: What happens in a dairy herd with HPAI? What should you expect if your herd becomes infected? This case report describes what one Michigan dairy farmer has faced since herd infection began. The farmer, recognizing the potential benefit to other farmers, willingly shared this information and agreed to have official testing of his herd. This report is what was known and reported on day 15 of the HPAI infection in a herd of approximately 500 lactating cows. Click here to read the full report.
“It has been a lot of work, stressful on the cows and frankly overwhelming,” the farmer said. He shared that the monitoring system they have in place has enabled them to get a head start on supporting the health of infected cattle that show milk loss, which begins two days after temperature elevation is detected. Therefore, they initiated therapy before milk loss occurred. The monitoring has also enabled him to evaluate the impact of supportive therapy and recovery by animals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is encouraging all Pennsylvania dairies to enroll in the voluntary Lactating Dairy Cow Health Monitoring Program. This program will provide critical data on the health status of dairy cattle in Pennsylvania to ensure that our state remains free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The program enrollment form is attached here. To get more information on the lactating dairy health monitoring program (the voluntary bulk tank program), please email RA-AG_STATEVET@pa.gov or call Jessica Theiss at 717-307-3258 to get information about any of their surveillance programs.
USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program to Help Dairy Producers Offset Milk Loss Due to H5N1: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications starting on Monday, July 1 through its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who incur milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1infection in their dairy herds. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP through the rule-making process to assist with a portion of financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test. Positive test results must be confirmed through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). Click here to learn more and read the full update. You can also read more about the program, including calculating payments, in this update from the National Milk Producers Federation. More details about the assistance program are included below.
National Epidemiologic Brief Released: In a national epidemiologic report that was updated on June 8, it provides field epidemiologic summaries using data collected from epidemiologic questionnaires for H5N1 affected dairy herds. The goal of the report is to better understand the H5N1 emerging health event in dairy cattle; explore potential risk factors and transmission routes for infections in dairy cattle; and identify specific areas for future follow-up. Click here to download and read the full report.
Resources for Premises With More Than One Species: The PA Department of Agriculture is currently recommending heightened biosecurity focusing on preventing contact of poultry with wild birds and contact with dairy cattle. For assistance with wild bird mitigation, contact USDA Wildlife Services at 717-236-9451 or 866-487-3297. Premises with more than one species should have each premises handled as a separate and biosecure premises. Click here to read the letter to poultry producers from Dr. Alex Hamberg.
Everyday Biosecurity Resources From Penn State: Learn about monitoring animal movements, contacts, and personnel and implementing cleaning and disinfection for animal and disease control at this webpage. Designed to aid Pennsylvania dairy producers, this webinar explains how to use the Everyday Biosecurity Plan and Supplement that are part of the biosecurity kit available at no cost through the Center for Dairy Excellence. Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.
USDA HPAI Detections in Livestock: This webpage includes resources regarding biosecurity, Federal Order requirements, Dairy Herd Status Program, financial support programs, FAQ, testing and genetic sequencing, science updates, and health and safety information. The page also contains a link to a map that shows real-time updates on the HPAI confirmed cases in livestock herds across the U.S. Click here to view the page.
Save the Date for Next Dairy Industry Call: The Center for Dairy Excellence is hosting Dairy Industry Conference Calls on the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. EST to provide updates on the rapidly evolving health situation with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cattle in the United States. The next call will be on Wednesday, July 10, at 1 p.m. Click here to join the meeting via Zoom
OR
Dial +1 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 841 2794 6647
Passcode: 833183
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