Photo by Logan Thomas
March 27, 2024
www.gfb.org
Vol. 6 No. 6
DAIRY COWS IN KANSAS AND TEXAS INFECTED WITH HPAI Wild migratory birds are believed to be the source of infections from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) confirmed in dairy cattle at two farms in Kansas and two others in Texas as of March 25. Cattle in New Mexico are also being tested. Symptoms include a significant decrease in lactation (10-30 lbs./cow), low appetite, and fever. Federal and state agencies are conducting additional testing for HPAI, as well as viral genome sequencing, to better understand the situation, including characterization of the HPAI strain or strains associated with these detections. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this is the first time that HPAI has been identified affecting dairy cattle and only the second time HPAI has been detected in a ruminant. Earlier in March, the H5N1 strain of HPAI was found in goats in Minnesota on a small farm where backyard poultry first tested positive. “The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas underscores the importance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for disease, and immediately involving your veterinarian when something seems ‘off’,” said AVMA President Rena Carlson. “A complete evaluation, including the collection and submission of laboratory samples and reporting to state animal health officials when appropriate, and in a timely fashion, are incredibly important. The AVMA is committed to supporting veterinarians with the latest information and guidance to protect the health and safety of animals under their care.” For the dairies whose herds are exhibiting symptoms, on average about ten percent of each affected herd appears to be impacted, with little to no associated mortality reported among the cows. “Unlike affected poultry, I foresee there will be no need to depopulate dairy herds,” Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller said. “Cattle are expected to fully recover. The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to providing unwavering support to our dairy industry.” Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on -continued on next page