HPAI Detected in Nebraska Dairy Cattle

By Scout Nelson

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has confirmed the first known case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a Nebraska dairy herd. The affected herd is in central Nebraska and is under quarantine to limit the spread of the disease.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) verified that the virus strain is very similar to one previously detected in California. Despite the detection, state officials note that with supportive care, dairy cattle generally recover with little to no mortality.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley advises all Nebraska dairy operations to remain vigilant. “We encourage Nebraska dairy producers to follow strict biosecurity protocols and to contact their veterinarian immediately if their animals are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus,” Dudley said.

Clinical Signs of HPAI in Dairy Cattle
Symptoms primarily affect late-stage lactating cows and include reduced food consumption, clear nasal discharge, decreased milk production, tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and thicker, colostrum-like milk.

Resources for Dairy Producers
Guidance and biosecurity information are available on the NDA website at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock. Producers who observe these symptoms in dairy cattle should report them to the NDA at 402-471-2351 or to the USDA at 866-536-7593.

While there is a possibility of transmission to humans who have direct contact with infected animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to state that the overall threat to the public remains low.

State and federal agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely while working with producers to contain the virus and protect the health of Nebraska’s livestock industry.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-digitalvision