By Jamie Martin
A dairy herd in Oklahoma has successfully recovered from a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infection, as confirmed by the USDA's APHIS.
This case puts Oklahoma on the map as the 13th state to report HPAI in dairy cattle this year, a concerning trend that has seen the virus spread across 153 herds nationwide.
The initial detection occurred after the farm banked samples from an affected cow in April, later submitting them for testing to capitalize on USDA's offer to reimburse for lost milk production. The positive result was confirmed on July 12, 2024, several months after the initial symptoms were observed.
Dr. Rod Hall, Oklahoma State Veterinarian, discussed the outbreak's details and the subsequent recovery. The farm experienced symptoms typical of HPAI, including reduced milk yield and general lethargy among the cattle. The outbreak is believed to have originated from a single crossover infection from a wild bird, with no further cross-species transmission documented.
In response to this outbreak, Oklahoma dairies have intensified their biosecurity measures. These include regular communication with state veterinary authorities and the provision of necessary protective gear to farm workers to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading.
Dr. Hall reassures consumers that despite the outbreak, the safety of the milk supply is not compromised. The rigorous federal health standards and pasteurization process ensure that dairy products remain safe and uncontaminated.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the dairy industry in managing health risks and underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity practices to maintain the health of livestock and the safety of agricultural products.
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Categories: National