By Andi Anderson
In March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was discovered in dairy cattle in Texas, with a subsequent outbreak reported in an Ohio dairy farm that received cattle from Texas. However, Ohio's dairy industry managed to contain the virus, according to Shaun Wellert, D.V.M., from Ohio State ATI. Wellert stated that Ohio has avoided further outbreaks due to strict quarantine measures and testing protocols, making it less impacted than states like California, Colorado, and Michigan.
Despite these efforts, caution is still necessary. Ohio’s dairy farms, particularly in the western regions, often bring in cattle from other states, and testing and quarantining animals before introducing them into herds have caused disruptions in cattle movement. However, the effects in Ohio have been minor compared to the significant challenges faced in other regions.
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), aimed at enhancing HPAI surveillance across the U.S. dairy industry. This new strategy involves testing raw milk samples from dairy farms and processing facilities to monitor the virus's spread. Wellert sees the initiative as beneficial for identifying potential outbreaks quickly and limiting transmission, especially in regions like Ohio, which have been largely free of the virus.
The NMTS also introduces mandatory requirements, such as sharing raw milk samples and providing epidemiological data for farms with confirmed infections. USDA’s goal is to identify affected herds rapidly and implement biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. As of the latest update, six states—California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—are involved in the first phase of testing.
The strategy includes five stages, from initial silo monitoring to long-term monitoring to ensure HPAI is absent in dairy cattle. This program is expected to provide valuable data on HPAI's spread, helping farmers and public health officials implement effective control measures to protect dairy herds across the nation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Dairy Cattle