WI HPAI Update

This weekend, Wisconsin had its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Dodge County, that was found by routine bulk tank monitoring by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and in accordance with guidelines that are set up with the state veterinary and University of Wisconsin protocol, the herd was quarantined, and all precautionary measures were put into place.

"Our farmers, and industry partners, are always doing what it takes to protect not only the milk supply, and all the products and jobs it supports, but more importantly the consumers who buy the products made from it", says John Rettler, President of the Board FFDC.

This quarantine is specific to this farm, and they are working diligently with their veterinary and local, state, and federal officials to understand how the herd was infected, and to prevent further spread.

Every single bulk tank and load of milk is tested multiple times to ensure that farmers are providing the safest product in the industry.

For more information, please read the statement below from the Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection or visit their website datcp.wi.gov.

• MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Dodge County. This is the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Wisconsin.
• Samples were tested by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. DATCP is working to respond in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners.
• The affected farm has been quarantined, and any cattle exhibiting signs of illness will be separated for further treatment. Per USDA, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or consumer health as products are pasteurized prior to entering the market. The CDC considers the human health risk for this virus to be low.
• DATCP encourages cattle and poultry owners to register their premises. State law requires that all livestock owners register where their animals are kept, and registration helps animal health officials communicate with owners during disease outbreaks. Future updates will be sent to emails associated with livestock or poultry registered premises.
• Livestock and poultry owners are encouraged to continue monitoring their herd and flock health, and practice good biosecurity. To report signs of illness, follow the instructions on the DATCP Animal Disease Reporting webpage or contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). Signs of HPAI in dairy cattle include:

• Reduced feed intake with concurrent decreased rumen motility
• Drop in herd-level milk production or increase in milk conductivity, affected cows may have no milk
• Changes in manure, often reported to be dry or tacky

​​​The USDA issued clarification regarding the guidance for state animal health officials, accredited veterinarians, and producers related to the Federal Order designed to reduce the risk of HPAI spreading among livestock. The Federal Order requires mandatory testing for interstate (across state lines) movement of dairy cattle and mandatory reporting of positive tests for Influenza A virus.