Unlike previous highly pathogenic strains seen in other regions, the specific variant at a Dodge County dairy farm appears to have a minimal impact on cattle health, according to a local veterinarian.
Dr. Monty Belmer is one of the partners at Waupun Veterinary Service. Being in Dodge County, where Wisconsin detected its first bird flu case in dairy cattle, they’re on alert. He explains to Mid-West Farm Report how day-to-day operations change for veterinary staff when there’s a disease outbreak in proximity.
“Anytime there’s a disease outbreak in the area, we go back and talk to our clients and make sure that their biosecurity protocols and procedures are enhanced,” he says. “All of our clients do a really good job with biosecurity on their dairies anyway, but we just kind of step it up a notch to make sure that we are following all our procedures.”
This includes close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, USDA, and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
Belmer notes that infected cows in the area have remained largely asymptomatic, showing no significant signs of respiratory distress or major production loss.
“This variant that these cows have doesn’t seem to be causing much of anything,” he says. “The cows have appeared perfectly healthy. The people are perfectly healthy. Everything looks great so far.”
Despite the mild nature of the illness, the affected farm remains under a strict quarantine coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the USDA. Under these rules, no animals can be moved off the premises without state permission.
Belmer emphasizes that the food supply remains secure.
“Rest assured that the milk is still a safe and viable product and perfectly healthy for everybody after pasteurization,” he confirms.
Local veterinarians are urging all producers to “step up” their biosecurity by limiting farm traffic and establishing formal response plans. While a quarantine can last upwards of 60 days, experts say the goal remains preventing the spread to more vulnerable populations, such as poultry, while the state continues to monitor the situation through bulk tank testing.
Biosecurity Resources
“The biggest thing is to work with your local veterinarian, work with your local milk processor. Make sure that you have a very good biosecurity plan in place.”
