Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture expanded support for producers to stop the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle.
This announcement included:
- Supporting biosecurity planning and implementation (affected and unaffected producers) of up to $1,500 per premises.
- Reimbursing producers for veterinary costs associated with sample collection for HPAI (H5N1) testing. This is for affected and unaffected producers of up to $2,000 per premises.
- Offsetting shipping costs for Influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). This is for affected and unaffected producers. It covers up to $50 per shipment for up to two shipments per month per premises.
- Compensate producers for loss of milk production (affected producers).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a second human case of H5. The state Department of Health Services recommends those who work with animals or materials that could be potentially infected with novel influenza A viruses take precautions: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p03308a.pdf
Request personal protective equipment from the DHS medical stockpile: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/preparedness/medical-stockpile.htm
USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has now confirmed the presence of H5N1 in 63 dairy herds. These are in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas.
To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact DATCP. Call (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).
