There has been a recent disease event of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. These cases were found on dairy farms in Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas, and confirmed by samples submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Testing for HPAI was completed on these farms in response to the presence of deceased wild birds on premises with sick cattle. At this time, it seems to affect older, mid-lactation cows; dry cows and heifers have not displayed clinical signs. Clinical signs include decreased appetite, drop in milk production, thickened milk, abnormal feces, and fever. According to a statement by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), cattle appear to recover in two to three weeks with supportive care. As for food safety, milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply. AABP states that pasteurized milk and meat that is properly cooked remains safe for human consumption.
No similar cases in cattle have been reported or detected in New Jersey. However, all veterinarians and cattle producers in the state are encouraged to be alert for unusual or unexplained illnesses in their herds. At this time, practicing good personal and onsite biosecurity, as well as monitoring any changes in animal health and milk production, is recommended to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Biosecurity protocols should include limiting farm access to essential employees only, implementing strategies for wild bird determent, and the use of footbaths at barn entryways. If cattle present with the clinical signs described above, they should be isolated from the rest of the herd and reported to a veterinarian and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Division of Animal Health (DAH) at 609-671-6400. Found deceased wild birds should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), at 1-877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337), and disposed of appropriately. The 24-hour number to report a foreign animal disease to USDA APHIS VS Area Veterinarian in Charge is 866-536-7593.
For more information about the current HPAI outbreak visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai
Memo from Dr. Amar Patil, DVM, MVSc, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVM, Director of the Division of Animal Health/State Veterinarian: HPAI Dairy Cattle Memo March 2024
