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Influenza A (H5N1) of avian origin in domestic livestock in the USA
Preliminary outbreak assessment for influenza A (H5N1) of avian origin in domestic livestock in the USA.
From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published 29 April 2024
Documents
Avian influenza A (H5N1) in domestic livestock in the USA
PDF, 992 KB, 9 pages
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format. Details
Preliminary outbreak assessment for avian influenza A in domestic livestock in the USA.
We monitor any major, notifiable or new and emerging animal disease outbreaks worldwide. When we become aware of a new animal disease outbreak in the UK or another country, we may carry out a preliminary outbreak assessment.
Read our avian influenza (bird flu) detailed guidance for information about how to spot the disease, what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent it.
Published 29 April 2024
...https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ock-in-the-usa
--------------------------
Excerpt:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Preliminary Outbreak Assessment Influenza A (H5N1) of Avian origin in domestic livestock in the United States of America
25 April 2024
...
Conclusion
Available trade data shows that only a small proportion of consignments of dairy products
could contain H5N1 virus, and given the low prevalence of disease in dairy cattle in the
USA so far, it is very unlikely that these would come from infected farms. Additionally, the
mitigation measures that are currently in place in the USA, along with the mandatory
testing and reporting that are soon to be implemented will reduce this likelihood further.
Migratory birds could be a plausible route of introduction of H5N1 virus affecting dairy
cattle to Great Britain, although not directly and would be considered rare events.
Therefore, the risk of entry of H5N1 virus capable of infecting domestic livestock is very
low. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.
There are always concerns around infected products entering the UK in passenger
luggage and the subsequent waste being discarded in areas where livestock or wildlife
could access them. We would like to highlight to all cattle keepers, dairy producers,
smallholders and general public that it is illegal to feed cattle catering waste, kitchen
scraps or dairy products, and to adhere to the swill feeding ban. All dairy keepers should
remain vigilant and ensure that any visitors to their premises have not had any recent
contact with dairy cattle or cattle premises in the affected regions. People who have been
working on farms or with animals returning from any affected areas should avoid any
contact with domestic cattle or domestic poultry in commercial holdings and smallholdings.
All clothing, footwear or equipment should be disinfected before entering dairy cattle or
other livestock areas.
Any suspect cases must be reported promptly. If you suspect a notifiable disease in your
animals, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on
03000 200 301. In Wales, call 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field
Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Authors
• Dr Lauren Perrin
• Dr Sonny Bacigalupo
• Dr Mary Nelson
• Megan Arter-Hazzard
• Dr Paul Gale
• Dr Alex Royden
• Dr Helen Roberts
• Prof Ashley C Banyard
Influenza A (H5N1) of avian origin in domestic livestock in the USA
Preliminary outbreak assessment for influenza A (H5N1) of avian origin in domestic livestock in the USA.
From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published 29 April 2024
Documents
Avian influenza A (H5N1) in domestic livestock in the USA
PDF, 992 KB, 9 pages
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format. Details
Preliminary outbreak assessment for avian influenza A in domestic livestock in the USA.
We monitor any major, notifiable or new and emerging animal disease outbreaks worldwide. When we become aware of a new animal disease outbreak in the UK or another country, we may carry out a preliminary outbreak assessment.
Read our avian influenza (bird flu) detailed guidance for information about how to spot the disease, what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent it.
Published 29 April 2024
...https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ock-in-the-usa
--------------------------
Excerpt:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Preliminary Outbreak Assessment Influenza A (H5N1) of Avian origin in domestic livestock in the United States of America
25 April 2024
...
Conclusion
Available trade data shows that only a small proportion of consignments of dairy products
could contain H5N1 virus, and given the low prevalence of disease in dairy cattle in the
USA so far, it is very unlikely that these would come from infected farms. Additionally, the
mitigation measures that are currently in place in the USA, along with the mandatory
testing and reporting that are soon to be implemented will reduce this likelihood further.
Migratory birds could be a plausible route of introduction of H5N1 virus affecting dairy
cattle to Great Britain, although not directly and would be considered rare events.
Therefore, the risk of entry of H5N1 virus capable of infecting domestic livestock is very
low. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.
There are always concerns around infected products entering the UK in passenger
luggage and the subsequent waste being discarded in areas where livestock or wildlife
could access them. We would like to highlight to all cattle keepers, dairy producers,
smallholders and general public that it is illegal to feed cattle catering waste, kitchen
scraps or dairy products, and to adhere to the swill feeding ban. All dairy keepers should
remain vigilant and ensure that any visitors to their premises have not had any recent
contact with dairy cattle or cattle premises in the affected regions. People who have been
working on farms or with animals returning from any affected areas should avoid any
contact with domestic cattle or domestic poultry in commercial holdings and smallholdings.
All clothing, footwear or equipment should be disinfected before entering dairy cattle or
other livestock areas.
Any suspect cases must be reported promptly. If you suspect a notifiable disease in your
animals, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on
03000 200 301. In Wales, call 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field
Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Authors
• Dr Lauren Perrin
• Dr Sonny Bacigalupo
• Dr Mary Nelson
• Megan Arter-Hazzard
• Dr Paul Gale
• Dr Alex Royden
• Dr Helen Roberts
• Prof Ashley C Banyard
