AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by AABP members Dr. Pat Gorden and Dr. Keith Poulsen to provide a situational update on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 disease outbreak in dairy cattle.  

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We discuss a wide range of topics, including how this virus jumped from birds to cows and has since spread to over 500 dairy farms in the U.S. via cow-to-cow transmission and fomite spread from dairy-to-dairy and dairy to poultry. Our guests discuss the importance of biosecurity, national surveillance and vaccination to eliminate this virus from the U.S. dairy herd. We discuss diagnostic surveillance and the importance of getting all farms to participate in surveillance to identify positive herds and prevent further transmission. The bulk tank PCR test will be positive two weeks before the herd shows clinical signs, providing an opportunity for dairy farmers and veterinarian prepare as well as implement biosecurity practices to protect other premises in their area. 

Our guests also discuss the work of AABP, in collaboration with other stakeholder groups, to provide advocacy, guidance and resources to our members. Organized veterinary medicine plays a critical role in a disease outbreak and we encourage all cattle veterinarians to join AABP to help us in our efforts.

Links:

Join AABP or pay dues at this link. 

AABP H5N1 resources page.

USDA confirmed cases dashboard page.