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  • California - Avian flu in mammals and livestock 2024

    United States of America - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 48


    GENERAL INFORMATION

    COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
    ZONE

    ANIMAL TYPE
    TERRESTRIAL

    DISEASE CATEGORY
    Listed disease

    EVENT ID
    4451

    DISEASE
    Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

    CAUSAL AGENT
    Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

    GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
    H5N1

    START DATE
    2022/03/30

    REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
    Unusual host species

    DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE- CONFIRMATION DATE
    2022/05/05

    EVENT STATUS
    On-going

    END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION

    NO REPORT INFORMATION

    REPORT NUMBER
    Follow-up report 48

    REPORT ID
    FUR_167043

    REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
    2024/04/26

    REPORT STATUS
    Validated

    NO EVOLUTION REPORT

    EPIDEMIOLOGY

    SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
    • Contact with wild species
    • Unknown or inconclusive
    EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
    Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b has been confirmed in samples from dairy cattle in Idaho (ID), Kansas (KS), Michigan (MI), New Mexico (NM), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), South Dakota (SD) and Texas (TX). Updates to the detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock...ions/livestock. On 24 April 2024, The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture issued a federal order requiring pre-movement testing and reporting of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock. Wildlife detections unrelated to dairy cattle detections are reported in Vermont (VT) and California (CA).

    QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

    MEASURING UNIT
    Animal

    SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Coyote (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1-1-- Cats (DOMESTIC)NEW------TOTAL-714-- Virginia Opossum (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-431-- Domestic cat (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-611-- Goats (DOMESTIC)NEW------TOTAL16555--- Gray Seal (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Bobcat (WILD)NEW-1----TOTAL-852-- Mephitidae (unidentified) (WILD)NEW-1----TOTAL-1---- Striped Skunk (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-422714-- American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1---- Tiger (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Harbor Seal (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-21192-- Racoon (Northern raccoon) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1754-- Puma (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-2222--- Bottlenose dolphin (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American Black Bear (black bear) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-413-- Brown bear (Grizzly Bear) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-431-- Polar Bear (WILD)NEW------TOTAL--1--- Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-864819-- Amur Leopard (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Fisher (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-321-- North American river otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American marten (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Abert's squirrel (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1---- Bovine (DOMESTIC)NEW------TOTAL-90000 All speciesNEW-2----TOTAL1652481495300

    DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

    CLINICAL SIGNS
    YES

    METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
    Clinical, Diagnostic test
    Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), Ames, Iowa Bobcat,Domestic cat,Fisher,Brown bear (Grizzly Bear),Cats,American Black Bear (black bear),Gray Seal,Red Fox,North American river otter,Racoon (Northern raccoon),Tiger,Harbor Seal,Puma,American marten,Bottlenose dolphin,Virginia Opossum,Amur Leopard,Coyote,Striped Skunk,Mephitidae (unidentified),Abert's squirrel,Goats,Polar Bear,American Mink,Bovine 212 2022/05/05 2024/04/19 Positive



    NEW OUTBREAKS

    OB_134221 - TX 006 - LAMB COUNTY
    OB_134222 - MI 006 - IONIA COUNTY
    OB_134223 - ID 002 - CASSIA COUNTY
    OB_134242 - SACRAMENTO COUNTY
    OB_134220 - ADDISON COUNTY​

  • #2
    from above report - A wild skunk


    OB_134242 - SACRAMENTO COUNTY

    OUTBREAK REFERENCE


    - START DATE


    2024/01/17

    END DATE


    - DETAILED CHARACTERISATION


    - FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION


    California

    SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION


    Sacramento

    THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION


    - EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT


    Other

    LOCATION


    Sacramento County

    Latitude, Longitude


    38.583 , -121.497

    (Approximate location)

    OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER


    - MEASURING UNIT


    Animal

    AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION


    Wild skunk (unidentified species). SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Mephitidae (unidentified) (WILD)
    WildNEW-1----TOTAL-1----


    METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC


    Diagnostic test


    CONTROL MEASURES DIFFERENT FROM EVENT LEVEL


    MEASURES NOT IMPLEMENTED

    Comment


    • #3
      Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock

      Information about HPAI in dairy cattle is an evolving, fluid situation with ongoing research and policy development. Please check back frequently as the information below will be updated as it becomes available. Last updated: 7/9/2024
      Bovine Health Alert

      There are no Bovine Health Alerts at this time.

      Current HPAI H5N1 in Livestock Guidance For California Producers
      1. CDFA Dairy Cattle Import Order: Bovine Associated Influenza A (H5N1) Syndrome Entry Requirements for Importing Dairy Breed Cattle from Affected states (4/4/2024)
      2. What to Expect if You Suspect HPAI in Your Herd (5/16/2024)
      3. Healthy Dairy Cattle HPAI Testing Protocols for Monitored Herd, Pre-Movement, and Non-Monitored Herd Surveillance (7/9/2024)
      4. CDFA HPAI in Livestock Monitored Herd Pilot Program Requirements (6/14/2024)
      5. CDFA HPAI in Livestock Monitored Herd Agreement (5/30/2024)
      6. CDFA Dairy Cow Exhibit Guidance Document for Fairs (6/13/2024)

      Clinical Signs


      Infected cattle may be asymptomatic (subclinical) or symptomatic (clinical) and virus is predominantly found in milk and mammary tissue regardless of symptoms.

      Clinical signs may include:
      1. Decrease in feed consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination and rumen motility
      2. Respiratory signs including clear nasal discharge
      3. Acute drop in milk production. Severely affected cattle may have thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk or produce no milk at all.
      4. Abnormal tacky or loose feces
      5. Lethargy
      6. Dehydration
      7. Fever

      Sampling Protocol for HPAI in Livestock
      1. Protocol for cows with clinical signs of HPAI
        1. For dairies with suspect clinical signs contact your district office for regulatory personnel to conduct a Foreign Animal Disease investigation (FADi).
      2. Protocol for lactating dairy cattle moving interstate (not direct to slaughter movements)
        1. All lactating dairy cattle moving interstate require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and matrix-A negative HPAI test from a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NALHN) laboratory within seven (7) days of movement.
        2. Samples must be collected by an accredited veterinarian, a sample collector approved by a state animal health official, or a designated individual at a farm that was trained to collect milk and nasal swab samples.
        3. The sample must be sent to an approved NAHLN laboratory (UC Davis California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory is currently only approved laboratory in California)
        4. For groups/lots of 30 or fewer animals moving interstate, all animals being moved must be tested. If more than 30 animals are moving interstate, only 30 animals total must be tested.
      3. Protocol for non-lactating dairy cattle moving interstate and any dairy cattle moving interstate direct to slaughter:
        1. Currently no testing required, must have CVI within seven (7) days of movement.

      California Movement Restrictions and Interstate Movement Requirements for Dairy Cattle


      All dairy breed cattle originating from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) affected state(s): Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and signed by an accredited veterinarian within seven (7) days of transport that includes the following statement: "All animals identified on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) have been inspected within seven (7) days and do not originate from a premises with a confirmed detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) or that is currently under investigation as a suspect premises."
      1. All lactating dairy cattle moving interstate require a CVI and matrix-A negative HPAI test from a NALHN laboratory within seven (7) days of movement, in addition to any state-specific entry requirements of destination state.
      2. Dairy cattle moving interstate direct to slaughter are exempt from the test requirement but do require a CVI or a state-approved owner shipper statement and Premises ID (NPIN), in addition to any state-specific entry requirements of destination state.
      3. Lactating dairy cattle from herds which have tested positive for Influenza A are not eligible for interstate movement for thirty (30) days from the most recent collection of any sample that tests positive from any individual animal in the herd. Re-testing may occur after this 30-day period.
      4. Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs consistent with HPAI in dairy cattle are ineligible for interstate movement (including to slaughter) as per 9 C.F.R. 71.3(b).
      Recommended Biosecurity Measures for Livestock Operations


      CDFA strongly encourages dairy farms and processors to:
      1. Review biosecurity protocols, including industry biosecurity resources such as those that may be found on the CDFA website for the Secure Food Supply Program, as well as the resources that can be found on the FARM/NMPF Everyday Biosecurity manual (Biosecurity - National Dairy FARM Program) and the Secure Milk Supply website (Secure Milk Supply Plan).
      2. Continue to be vigilant to observe for clinical signs consistent with this outbreak such as acute loss of animal appetite and rumination; significant/acute drop in milk; changes in manure consistency.
      3. Contact your herd veterinarian if you observe animal conditions outside of the ordinary. This has not currently been reported in California, but it is a reminder to enforce biosecurity on your dairy operation or when visiting other dairy operations.

      Disease Spread


      The primary introduction of disease into dairy herds has been predominantly via exposure to wild birds. The exact mechanism of spread is currently unknown, although there is potential for viral spread through milk. USDA has identified spread between cows within the same herd, spread from cows to poultry, spread between dairies associated with cattle movements, and cows without clinical signs that have tested positive. On April 16, APHIS microbiologists identified a shift in an H5N1 sample from a cow in Kansas that could indicate that the virus has an adaptation to mammals.
      Diagnosis & Prevention


      There is no specific treatment or cure for animals infected with HPAI H5N1 and there are currently no vaccines available to prevent this disease. Veterinarians and livestock owners who suspect an animal may have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 should immediately contact a State or Federal animal health authority.

      Testing for HPAI H5N1 in milk samples (lactating cattle) or nasal swab samples (non-lactating cattle) can confirm HPAI H5N1 viral infections.

      Even with the best defense measures, HPAI H5N1 can still affect your herd. The following are ways to help protect livestock:
      • No movement of clinical dairy cattle for 30 days past last matrix-A positive HPAI test
      • Ensure cattle trailers are only used to haul your cattle or thoroughly clean and disinfect trailers between use.
      • Adhere to an isolation period of a minimum of 30 days for new arrivals with active observational surveillance for clinical signs.
      • Feed only heat treated/pasteurized milk to calves and other livestock and heat treat/pasteurize any milk being discarded.
      • Milk affected animals last with thorough cleaning and disinfection of milking equipment (utilizing dedicated milking units if possible)
      • Separate animals with clinical signs from healthy animals
      • Use dedicated coveralls and boots when handling clinical animals (use dedicated farm personnel to only handle clinical animals where possible).
      • Use good personal hygiene measures including freshly laundered clothes and showering before visiting dairy farms or processing facilities.
      • Limit vehicle/visitor traffic to strictly essential deliveries/visits (feed, milk, waste removal).
      • Clean and disinfect vehicles crossing the line of separation and entering/leaving the farm or obtain a commercial car wash before and after visiting a livestock operation.
      • Engage state and federal wildlife agencies for wild bird mitigation.

      CDFA appreciates your efforts to protect livestock health in California on a daily basis. Remember, people, equipment, and vehicles can easily spread dangerous diseases from one location to another.
      More information on HPAI H5N1 in Livestock
      1. USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock
      2. USDA Federal HPAI Livestock Testing Order: Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock
      3. APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock

      Milk Safety


      Questions and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreaks | FDA
      Public Health and Dairy Worker Safety


      APHIS Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock for Workers (4/12/2024)


      Comment


      • #4
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        ------------------------------------------------------

        H5N1 Bird Flu

        Last content update: 7/12/24

        The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is monitoring a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the United States. This is the first time that H5N1 bird flu has been found in cows.

        To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that there are no reported cases of H5N1 bird flu in cows or humans in California. The Public Health Department is also frequently receiving wastewater testing results for H5N1 bird flu.

        For more information including the number of reported human H5N1 cases in the United States, visit the CDC’s H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary webpage.

        There have been sporadic detections of H5 influenza in wastewater samples taken from the Palo Alto sewershed since June 19. H5 influenza has not been detected in any wastewater samples taken from the other three sewersheds in Santa Clara County.

        The current risk to the general public from H5N1 bird flu remains low.

        For more information, refer to the WastewaterSCAN Dashboard.

        ...







        Comment


        • #5
          CDFA Statement on possible introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza at California dairy farms

          8/29/24

          The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is investigating the possible introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at three dairy farms in the Central Valley. Should HPAI be confirmed, it is important to note that pasteurization is fully effective at inactivating the virus and there is no milk or dairy product safety concern for consumers.

          With the detection of HPAI in dairies elsewhere in the US in recent months, CDFA has been engaged with private veterinarians, farmers and ranchers, and local, state and federal partners to develop response plans and actively monitor for the disease in livestock and poultry throughout California. CDFA has taken steps to reduce the risk of entry of infected dairy cattle into the state, has maintained rapid response capability used during past detections of HPAI in poultry, and is prepared to respond to detections in cattle. If these cases are confirmed, CDFA will continue working closely with the California Department of Public Health, and local agricultural and public health officials, to understand the extent of the introduction and support animal health and public health activities with the goal of limiting exposure to virus while the impacted herds develop immunity.

          Samples have been submitted from these three sites to our California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory. Any positive tests at our California lab would be considered “presumptive” and submitted to the USDA for final confirmation (typically within a few days). As with most influenza infections in cattle, infected dairy cows would be expected to recover within a few weeks.

          Comment


          • #6
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            Central Valley (California)
            /https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Valley_(California)

            -----------------------------------

            H5N1 bird flu infections suspected in California dairy herds

            By Susanne Rust
            Staff Writer
            Aug. 29, 2024 Updated 6:30 PM PT

            The California Department of Food and Agriculture said Thursday that H5N1 bird flu is suspected to have infected three dairy herds in the state.
            ...
            Details about whether the milk has gone into retail circulation were unavailable.
            ...
            California ranks as the largest producer of dairy in the nation. It has about 1,300 dairy farms and 1.69 million dairy cows. The state produces nearly 20% of all U.S. milk.

            The Central Valley is a corridor for wild bird migration and a hot spot for commercial poultry operations. However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s bird flu tracker for commercial poultry, there have been no commercial outbreaks in the last 30 days and just two in backyard flocks in California.

            The San Joaquin Valley — the southern extent of the Central Valley — is also home to more than 90% of California dairy cows at farms with more than 500 head.

            The California Department of Food and Agriculture said Thursday that H5N1 bird flu is suspected to have infected three dairy herds in the state.

            Comment


            • #7
              Interesting considering the pending test results on 3 possible dairy farms.....


              Avian Influenza Alert

              On June 28, 2024, the State of California completely fulfilled the necessary actions and surveillance requirements to again self-declare free from HPAI in Poultry.

              All HPAI response activities have been completed. The Quarantine was released on the last infected eligible poultry premises (Merced 03) on: 6/13/2024

              The H5N1 HPAI incident in CA is now final, closed, and resolved.


              Comment


              • #8
                AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN THREE CALIFORNIA DAIRY HERDS


                Three Central Valley farms quarantined; no human cases detected; no threat to the milk or food supply

                SACRAMENTO, August 30, 2024 — Cows at three California dairies located in the Central Valley have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

                When herds began showing clinical signs consistent with HPAI on August 25, 2024, the dairy owners worked with their veterinarians and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to submit samples to the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory network for preliminary determination. The samples were then submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), where the test results were confirmed today.

                No human cases of HPAI have been confirmed in California related to this incident. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working in collaboration with CDFA and will work with local health departments to monitor any individuals who may be exposed to infected animals to ensure prompt clinical and public health interventions, and CDPH would provide official confirmation of any human cases associated with this incident.

                "We have been preparing for this possibility since earlier this year when HPAI detections were confirmed at dairy farms in other states,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Our extensive experience with HPAI in poultry has given us ample preparation and expertise to address this incident, with workers’ health and public health as our top priorities. This is a tough time for our dairy farmers given the economic challenges they’re facing in a dynamic market, so I want to assure them that we are approaching this incident with the utmost urgency."

                According to CDPH and the Centers for Disease Control, this influenza virus is not considered a significant public health threat and the risk to humans is considered low. The primary concern is for dairy workers who come into close contact with infected dairy cows. As we have learned from recent cases in other states, these workers may be at risk of contracting avian influenza. Public health officials have experience working with agricultural partners and supporting farm workers working with infected poultry to prevent and monitor for infection. CDPH recommends that PPE (masks, gloves, caps, face shields, and safety goggles) be worn by farm workers and emergency responders when working with animals or materials that are infected or potentially infected with avian influenza.

                Earlier this summer, CDPH supported a one-time distribution of protective equipment for dairy farm workers and others handling raw dairy products, as well as for slaughterhouse and commercial poultry farmworkers. CDPH will continue to support dairies with confirmed positive cases with PPE. Furthermore, affected farms can take advantage of a USDA grant that provides financial support for producers that supply PPE to employees. The CDC has confirmed four human cases of HPAI in dairy workers in other states since April 2024: one each in Texas and Colorado, and two in Michigan. CDFA is working with public health officials and dairy owners to inform and monitor workers at affected dairies in California, and to assist the dairies with education and resources to protect their workers, including providing PPE.

                For CDC guidance for employees and employers, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/avianflu...rself-h5n1.pdf

                California's supply of milk and dairy foods is safe and has not been impacted by these events. As a precaution, and according to longstanding state and federal requirements, milk from sick cows is not permitted in the public milk supply. Also, pasteurization of milk is fully effective at inactivating the virus, so there is no cause for concern for consumers from milk or dairy products. Pasteurized milk and dairy items, as well as properly handled meat and eggs, continue to be safe to consume.

                The affected dairies have been placed under quarantine on the authority of CDFA's State Veterinarian, and enhanced biosecurity measures are in place. Sick cows are isolated and are being treated at the dairies; and healthy cows have been cleared to continue shipping milk for pasteurization.

                Animal movement is being tracked and evaluated, as are other potential introduction pathways. Additional testing will be prioritized according to epidemiologic risk. Background on HPAI in California


                The HPAI virus has been detected in wild birds in the U.S. since 2022, with occasional transmission into domestic poultry or wild mammals in almost all states, including California. In March, 2024, the first US detection in cattle was confirmed in Texas, most likely due to a single spillover event from wild birds. Since that time, the USDA has linked new detections in cattle to the interstate and regional movement of infected or contaminated livestock, people and equipment.

                CDFA has been engaged for years with an extensive network of private veterinarians, farmers and ranchers, backyard bird enthusiasts, and local, state and federal partners to actively monitor for this disease in livestock and poultry throughout California. The department has taken steps to reduce the risk of entry of infected dairy cattle into the state, has extensive experience responding quickly and effectively to past detections of HPAI in poultry, and is fully prepared to respond to detections in cattle.

                Most infected livestock and dairy cattle fully recover from an HPAI infection within a few weeks.

                No California domestic poultry flocks are affected by the current incident. Avian influenza viruses continue to circulate normally among migratory and wild birds. Monitoring of both wild and domestic bird populations is performed on a continuous basis by multiple public agencies, as well as farmers and ranchers and private bird owners.

                For the most up-to-date information regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock in California, please visit CDFA - AHFSS - AHB - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock. Questions and Answers:

                AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN THREE CALIFORNIA DAIRY HERDS

                Situation Summary:


                Cows at three California dairies located in the Central Valley began showing clinical signs consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) beginning August 23-25, 2024. Samples from these three sites were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory and found "presumptively positive" then submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for official confirmation. On August 30, 2024, NVSL confirmed HPAI in all three dairies. CDFA’s preliminary investigation has confirmed that cows have been moved among these dairies recently. Is the milk supply safe?


                Yes. There is no milk or dairy product safety concern for consumers. Pasteurization of milk kills the virus, making pasteurized milk and dairy items safe to consume. Further, dairies must remove sick cows from the group that produces milk for the food supply. It is standard practice to move these animals to the part of the dairy set up for recovery. Is public health at risk? Are dairy workers at risk?


                No human cases of HPAI have been confirmed in California related to this incident. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working in collaboration with CDFA and will work with local health departments to monitor any individuals who may be exposed to infected animals to ensure prompt clinical and public health interventions, and would provide official confirmation of any human cases associated with this incident.

                According to CDPH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this influenza virus is not currently considered a significant public health threat and the risk to the general public is considered low. The primary concern is for dairy workers who come into close contact with infected dairy cows. As we have learned from recent cases in other states, these workers may be at risk of contracting avian influenza. Public health officials have experience working with agricultural partners and supporting farm workers working with infected poultry to prevent and monitor for infection over the last two years. CDPH recommends that PPE (masks, gloves, caps, face shields, and safety goggles) be worn by farm workers and emergency responders when working with animals or materials that are infected or potentially infected with bird flu. Earlier this summer, CDPH supported a one-time distribution of protective equipment for dairy farm workers and others handling raw dairy products, as well as slaughterhouse and commercial poultry farm workers. CDPH continues to support affected farms with PPE, while supplies last, to dairies with confirmed positive cases. Furthermore, affected farms can take advantage of a USDA grant that provides financial support for producers that supply PPE to employees.

                The CDC has confirmed four human cases of HPAI in dairy workers in other states since April 2024: one each in Texas and Colorado, and two in Michigan; all have had mild symptoms. CDFA is working with public health officials and dairy owners to inform and regularly assess workers for symptoms at the affected dairies in California, and to assist the dairies with education and resources to protect their workers, including providing personal protective equipment. How did the cows get avian influenza?


                The mostly likely way for a cow to become infected with flu is exposure to other cows that are infected, but the virus can also be spread by dirty hands or shoes when people have contact with an uninfected animal after contact with an infected one, or by contact with contaminated equipment.

                The HPAI virus has been detected in North American wild birds in the U.S. since 2022, with occasional transmission into domestic poultry or wild mammals in almost all states, including California. The detection of HPAI in cattle is not unexpected. In March, 2024, the first detection in cattle was confirmed in Texas, most likely due to a single spillover event from wild birds. Since that time, the USDA has linked new detections in cattle to the interstate and regional movement of infected or contaminated livestock, people, and equipment. Are the dairies under quarantine?


                Yes. The dairies have been placed under quarantine on the authority of CDFA’s State Veterinarian, and enhanced biosecurity measures are in place. Sick cows are isolated and are being treated at the dairies; healthy cows have been cleared to continue shipping milk for pasteurization. Animal movement is being tracked and evaluated, as are other potential introduction pathways. Additional testing will be prioritized according to epidemiologic risk. The investigation and response are ongoing. How serious is this HPAI virus for California livestock herds and poultry flocks?


                CDFA is engaged with an extensive network of private veterinarians, farmers and ranchers, backyard bird enthusiasts, and local, state and federal partners to actively monitor for this disease in livestock and poultry throughout California. CDFA has taken steps to reduce the risk of entry of infected dairy cattle into the state, has extensive experience conducting a rapid response to past detections of HPAI in poultry, and is fully prepared to respond to detections in cattle.

                Cattle: Most infected livestock and dairy cattle fully recover from an HPAI infection within a few weeks. Dairy cattle can show clinical signs of infection such as reduced milk production; thicker, concentrated, colostrum‐like milk; a decrease in feed consumption; abnormal, tacky or loose feces; lethargy; dehydration; and fever.

                Birds: No California domestic poultry flocks are affected by the current incident. Avian influenza viruses continue to circulate normally among migratory and wild birds. When some strains, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), are introduced by wild birds into domestic poultry farms, they can result in very high mortality in those flocks. In those cases, the affected flocks/sites are placed under quarantine and extensive response activities and public/industry outreach efforts are conducted to eliminate those outbreaks and protect uninfected birds and flocks. Are resources available for dairy industry stakeholders?


                The USDA has implemented or expanded a number of programs to support affected dairy premises. These include the Dairy Herd Status Program and financial assistance for the heat treatment and disposal of milk, veterinary costs, personal protective equipment (PPE), milk loss offset, biosecurity planning and implementation, and shipping cost offset for H5N1 testing.

                Public health officials have experience working with agricultural partners and supporting farm workers working with infected poultry to prevent and monitor for infection over the last two years. The recommendations are that PPE (masks, gloves, caps, face shields, and safety goggles) be worn by farm workers and emergency responders when working with animals or materials that are infected or potentially infected with bird flu. Earlier this summer, CDPH supported a one-time distribution of protective equipment for dairy farm workers and others handling raw dairy products, as well as slaughterhouse and commercial poultry farm workers. CDPH continues to support affected farms with a limited supply of PPE, while supplies last, to dairies with confirmed positive cases. Additional Resources


                This nationwide outbreak of HPAI H5N1 began in poultry in 2022 and was first detected in US dairy cattle in March 2024. All detections in cattle can be found on the USDA website under: USDA HPAI in Livestock.

                For the most up-to-date information regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock in California, please visit CDFA HPAI in Livestock.

                For public inquiries regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting domestic livestock and poultry in California, please call: 916-217-7517 or send an e-mail to cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.gov.

                For media inquiries, please call 916-654-0462 or send an e-mail to OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov.


                Comment


                • #10
                  Officials confirm H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in three California dairy farms

                  By Susanne Rust
                  Staff Writer
                  Sept. 4, 2024 3 AM PT
                  ...
                  Health officials announced last week that they suspected cows at three Central Valley dairies had contracted the illness, and were awaiting testing for confirmation. On Tuesday, officials said those tests revealed that the strain of virus that infected California herds was nearly identical to that found in Colorado dairy herds — suggesting the infections were the result of interstate transfer of cattle.

                  The B3.13 genetic sequence found in the infected cows was clearly the result of “anthropogenic movement; essentially zero chance it was an independent spill from wild birds into these dairies,” said Bryan Richards, the Emerging Disease Coordinator at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center. “So, if anyone is trying to blame wild birds: Nope!”
                  ...
                  The location of the herds has not been divulged. The federal government provides county data on infected poultry, but only statewide figures for dairy.

                  “We do not tend to share that because sometimes there are only one or two dairies in a certain county, and due to privacy concerns, we tend to refer folks to the state,” said Will Clement, a spokesman for the USDA. “If the state department of ag wants to share that information, that is their purview. But we don’t want to out anybody, if you will, in any specific region,” he said.
                  ...

                  Testing has confirmed H5N1 bird flu outbreaks at three Central Valley dairy farms. Officials say the infections were likely the result of cattle transportation.

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