LINCOLN –The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Nebraska. This is the first known case of HPAI in dairy cattle in the state. The herd is located in central Nebraska and has been quarantined.
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed that the strain of the virus is very similar to a strain from California. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.
State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley encourages Nebraska dairy producers to follow strict biosecurity protocols and to contact their veterinarian immediately if their animals are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus.
What are the clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cattle?
HPAI symptoms in dairy cattle mostly affect late-stage lactating cows. Common clinical signs of HPAI in dairy cows decrease in food consumption, clear nasal discharge, drop in milk production, tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thicker, concentrated (colostrum-like) milk.
The NSDA emphasizes that there is no concern for consumers. Pasteurization has been proven to eliminate H5N1 in milk, and therefore, milk from Nebraska farms remains safe for consumption.
“The safety of Nebraska dairy products is our top priority. Consumers can be confident that milk and dairy products are safe to enjoy, and we are working closely with producers to contain this case and protect our livestock.” stated Kris Bousquet, Executive Director of NSDA.
We also encourage practicing good biosecurity techniques. For more information about biosecurity please visit bigredbiosecurity.unl.edu for more information. To help protect producers and employees, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available free of charge at the following County
Extension Offices:
Hall County Extension Office: 3180 W US Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68801
Gage County Extension Office: 1115 W Scott St, Beatrice, NE 68310
Madison Extension Office: 1305 S 13th St Ste 105, Norfolk, NE 68701
The affected farm is under quarantine until further notice. NSDA urges all farmers to monitor their livestock closely and report any suspected H5N1 cases to their veterinarian.
Resources for dairy producers
Resources including biosecurity information are available for dairy producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock. Dairy cattle experiencing signs of HPAI should be reported to NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.
While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe that the threat to the general public remains low.