HPAI in Dairy Cattle
On March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) had been identified in U.S. dairy cattle. Even though there have been no detections of HPAI in dairy cattle in Alabama, dairy owners should take necessary precautions to prevent the disease from entering our state.
Introduction
On March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) had been identified in U.S. dairy cattle. Even though there have been no detections of HPAI in dairy cattle in Alabama, dairy owners should take necessary precautions to prevent the disease from entering our state.
Symptoms in dairy cows include low appetite, decreased milk production and abnormal colostrum-like milk.
For more information about infections in livestock and for additional resources, please visit the USDA website.
Scroll for more important information.
Biosecurity Measures for Dairy Cattle
Biosecurity Measures for Livestock Shows
State Veterinarian's Office
stvet@agi.alabama.gov
1445 Federal Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36107-1123
Phone: (334)-240-7253
HPAI in Birds
Information for Consumers
USDA and FDA have stated that because commercial milk products are pasteurized before entering the market, at this time there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply.
Pasteurized milk does not pose a risk to consumer health. Pasteurization has continuously proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses in milk.
Despite the detection of HPAI in dairy cattle, the risk to the general public remains low, per CDC. More information is available on CDC’s website regarding the H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation.
Information for Veterinarians
Alabama veterinarians must report cattle illness that presents clinical signs of HPAI to the State Veterinarian’s office at 334-240-7253.
Veterinarians can request HPAI testing for samples that meet the criteria.
Please contact the State Veterinarian’s office to receive guidance for sample collection and how to submit your sample. Samples will not be processed without contacting us first.
Other biosecurity measures that will be enforced include:
Sick animals are not allowed on the fairgrounds.
- Influenza-susceptible species must be separated.
- All Lactating dairy cattle must have a negative HPAI test within ten days before arrival at the show, or currently enrolled in a voluntary Herd Monitoring Program.
- Dairy cattle from out of state must also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
For questions about biosecurity measures for dairy cattle, please contact the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ State Veterinarian’s office at 334-240-7253.