Recording Now Available From Week’s HPAI Agriculture Call

• In the past 30 days, California, Nevada, and Idaho have had 22 detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in their dairy herds. Some of the HPAI cases in Nevada and previously Arizona dairy herds have been identified as unique wild bird introductions of the D1.1 strain rather than the B3.13 strain circulating among dairies since this time last year. Nationally, the emergence of new HPAI cases has decreased. To view the map showing states with HPAI cases in dairy herds over the last 30 days or across the total outbreak, click here. To view Dr. Luley’s slides from the call, click here.
• Pennsylvania is one of three states, and the first state with more than 100 dairies, to reach stage 4 of mandatory testing. No new states have been added to the list since the last call, but some states may be close to reaching stage 4. To date, all testing on Pennsylvania dairy cattle has been negative, and Pennsylvania dairy herds are currently disease free.
• Since January, there have been 21 total cases of HPAI in poultry detected in Pennsylvania with 14 on commercial premises, 3 at live bird markets, and 4 on backyard flocks. Currently, there is one active control zone in Lancaster County. Click here to view the address checker map.
• The USDA offers several assistance programs available to enhance biosecurity and offset costs associated with Influenza A testing, veterinary expenses, personal protective equipment purchases, milk disposal, and milk losses. Click here to learn more.
• The PA Dept, of Ag strongly encourages dairies to complete their biosecurity plan and submit it for review. They will also be hosting a biosecurity plan workshop during Ag Progress Days in August to work one on one with producers on biosecurity plans. The PA Dept of Ag will release more details in the future. You can email your completed biosecurity plans to RA-AGBioplans@pa.gov.
• The PA Dept. of Ag also suggests that if you have not already done so, you should click here to get a premise I.D. If you have one but are not sure what it is, please reach out to PDA at RA-PREMISE-ID@pa.gov. If you believe your contact information with the state could be outdated, email  RA-ahds@pa.gov to get it updated.
• The PA Dept. of Health is still offering free personal protective equipment (PPE), such as nitrile gloves, masks, coveralls, and more. These materials are available at request and will be shipped directly to producers. Click here to request PPE. They also offers several one-pagers that provide information on how farmers and farm employees can protect themselves. Click here for more information.
• Penn State Extension’s Dairy Team has has hosted two webinars on everday biosecurity practices and developing a biosecurity plan. For those with on-farm processing, they provided an article on how to consider your value-added operation when completing your biosecurity plan. Click here to read. If you need additional help, click here to view the Extension directory.

Note: The USDA has confirmed that there is no threat to human health and milk. Dairy products continue to remain safe to consume.