This article was written and prepared by the DATCP Division of Animal Health.
Cases In The Country
In the past 30 days, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in 22 dairy herds in five states. These states include Michigan and South Dakota. Access the full list of H5N1 detections in livestock.
To date, there have not been any detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) in Wisconsin cattle, poultry, or wildlife with the genotype associated with dairy cattle detections in other states.
Four human cases of H5 have been reported in the United States following exposure to dairy in cattle. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services continues to encourage those who work with animals or materials that could be potentially infected with novel influenza A viruses to take appropriate precautions . This includes wearing appropriate PPE according to the CDC guidance. Request PPE from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services medical stockpile.
Precautions Taken
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of the second sampling survey of retail dairy products. This survey tested 167 dairy products for H5N1. Samples tested included pasteurized milk, cheeses, cream cheese, butter, and ice cream as well as aged raw milk cheese. No viable virus was detected in the sampled products. Access more information on FDA sampling.
In September, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will be adding H5N1 influenza A monitoring in dairy cows. This is added to existing national surveillance programs for pathogens and chemical components. Access more information about the H5N1 beef monitoring sampling.
As a reminder, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA continue to emphasize that the commercial milk supply is safe. The reason it is safe is because of the pasteurization process. USDA is also confident that the meat supply is safe.
As you may know, FDA, USDA, and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) recently published a letter seeking voluntary, limited-term participation. This was for a silo sampling study to determine the nationwide prevalence of H5N1 in bulk raw cow’s milk. Access the letter.
Producers should continue to enhance their biosecurity efforts and monitor and control disease in their herds and flocks. DATCP is closely monitoring HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle and continues to encourage producers that notice unusual clinical signs in their cattle to work with their herd veterinarian. To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
