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Discussion thread: H5N1 avian flu in US dairy cows including human cases (poultry, dairy workers) - March 24, 2024 +

What could go wrong? Maybe the UV from the sun cooks the virus now in the summer. In the fall and winter? In Colorado or Minnesota?
 
image.png - Click image for larger version  Name:	image.png Views:	1 Size:	193.9 KB ID:	994615

Desert cottontail
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_cottontail

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

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals
Last Modified: July 31, 2024

state county date_collected date_detected hpai_strain species

Colorado Weld 07/11/2024 07/22/2024 EA H5N1 Desert cottontail


https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals

-------------------------------------
This study was published in 2018.

Cottontail rabbits shed clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses

Posted here on FT:
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...5-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-a-viruses

Additional link:
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3153&context=icwdm_usdanwr c#:~:text=All%20rabbits%20tested%20shed%20virus,H5 Nx%20avian%20influenza%20A%20viruses.

...
Abstract
During 2014-2015, clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza A viruses (IAV) were first detected in North America and subsequently caused one of the largest agricultural emergencies in U.S. history. Recent evidence has suggested that cottontail rabbits can shed multiple IAV subtypes. We experimentally infected cottontail rabbits with three HP H5Nx IAVs. All rabbits tested shed virus on at least one day by at least one route. Cottontail rabbits appear to be an exception to the limited capacity for replication that has been previously reported for certain other mammalian species inoculated with clade 2.3.4.4 HP H5Nx avian influenza A viruses.
...
Overall, 10 of 10 cottontail rabbits seroconverted for the three viruses. Serology tests indicated 3/3 animals seroconverted following inoculations with the turkey virus, 3/3 animals seroconverted following inoculations with the Northernpintail virus, and 4/4 animals seroconverted following inoculations with the gyrfalcon virus (Table 1; see table footnotes for denominator explanations).
...
Recent literature suggests that cottontail rabbits are susceptible to multiple LP IAV strains, and can be susceptible to low doses of virus [12, 14, 15]. However, to our knowledge, this is the frst evaluation of HP viruses in cottontail rabbits. Consistent with other studies evaluating cottontail rabbits, the current study also indicates that this species can shed relatively high viral titers by multiple routes. Of interest, the virus that produced the highest levels of viral shedding in cottontails during the current study was isolated from poultry, thereby suggesting that this species may pose more of a threat for viral movement between poultry barns once the virus is established at a farm, as compared to the rabbits acquiring a viral infection from a wild bird on the farm premises.
...
Similar to previous studies involving relatively high inoculation doses [12], the viral shedding dynamics in the current study were fairly brief, with most animals ceasing viral shedding by 6-7 DPI. Nonetheless, one animal shed virus through 8 DPI (the last day samples were taken) and shed relatively high titers out to 6 DPI (104.6 PFU/mL by the nasal route and 103.4 PFU/mL by the oral route). For obvious reasons, cottontail rabbits that shed higher titers and shed for longer periods of time likely pose a greater epidemiological risk in most situations.

As has been reported previously for multiple LP IAV strains [12, 14], the current study indicates that cottontail rabbits can shed relatively high levels of some HP IAVs along with a lack of any obvious signs of disease. As a symptomless carrier of IAVs, if infected, cottontail rabbits are unlikely to provide any type of obvious warning of the presence of a virus on poultry facilities without the use of active surveillance. Thus, reducing wildlife attractants and preventing wildlife access to facility premises, such as poultry houses, are key to mitigating the potential risk posed by this and certain other wildlife species [17].

...
 
typo redacted


Bird flu has not been found in mammals or livestock in Arkansas:
...
state county date_collected date_detected hpai_strain species
No matching records found
Showing 0 to 0 of 0 entries (filtered from 373 total entries)
/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...pai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock

The last detection of avian influenza in poultry was in backyard birds in December 2023.

Confirmed State County Name Production Control Area Released Birds Affected
14-Dec-23 Arkansas Scott WOAH Non-Poultry NA 180
07-Dec-23 Arkansas Carroll Commercial Turkey Meat Bird 28-Dec-23 33,300
04-Dec-23 Arkansas Johnson Commercial Broiler Production 28-Dec-23 109,000
29-Nov-23 Arkansas Carroll Commercial Broiler Production 23-Dec-23 81,200
...
/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...za/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks

The last wild bird collected that tested positive for bird flu was in January 2024.

Arkansas Johnson 01/18/2024 01/31/2024 EA H5N1 Northern pintail Wild bird Hunter harvest
...
/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds​
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Influenza A Virus Wastewater Data

Updated August 1, 2024

Main Findings from Wastewater Surveillance

During the two most recent weeks, (July 14, 2024–July 27, 2024), a total of 317 of 811 sites reported data meeting criteria for analysis for influenza A virus for both weeks or for either week, and 3 (<1%) sites from 3 states were at a high level (>80th percentile compared to levels recorded at that site between October 1, 2023 and March 2, 2024).
...
Data Table
...
Id:454 8 Illinois Lake Above Average 76.74 Two-Week Maximum 60,000 2022-10-05
Id:154 7 California San Francisco Above Average 68.42 Two-Week Maximum <10,000 2022-12-29
Id:550 7 Kansas Johnson Above Average 69.74 Two-Week Maximum 50,000 2023-09-17
Id:2211 7 Kansas Johnson Above Average 69.23 Two-Week Maximum 40,000 2023-09-17
Id:1174 9 Nebraska Scotts Bluff High 80.95 Two-Week Maximum 20,000 2023-09-04
Id:2174n10 Wisconsin Waupaca High 97.73 Two-Week Maximum <10,000 2023-07-31
Id:476 9 Illinois Morgan High 80.65 Two-Week Maximum 20,000 2022-10-05

...

https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance/Flu-A-data.html
 
The recent uptick of confirmed Dairy Bulk Tank test results in herds in CO, gave me pause. With Colorado jumping 12 entries in 24 hours, I was wondering if each entry was a separate herd. Looking for some clarity. I found this article dating back to June, when they first introduced this volunteer pilot program. This excerpt below makes me believe each entry is a separate herd.


Four States Sign on for Voluntary H5N1 Testing of Bulk Milk Tanks
June 26, 2024

Routine Bulk Milk Sampling
According to USDA, farmers who voluntarily enter the program will be able to move their herds across state lines without additional testing after bulk milk tanks or similar representative samples test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks.

“Producers must also comply with continued regular weekly monitoring and testing of their herd for H5N1, but that process can happen with very little effort on the part of the producer, using routine bulk milk samples,” Deeble said during his remarks.

https://www.bovinevetonline.com/new...s-sign-voluntary-h5n1-testing-bulk-milk-tanks
 
From post #14 on this thread dated April 3, 2024

"At this time, APHIS is not requiring testing. Testing may be done on a voluntary basis and is a tool producers may use to help manage this disease or reduce the risk of introducing the disease." link

This policy is ridiculous. There should be massive widespread testing to, at the very least, quantify the size of the problem.

Irresponsible and against standard outbreak surveillance protocol.

Please see:

Colorado: First Bulk-Milk Testing Results adds 9 More Infected Dairy Herds to Their List​ - August 5, 2024
 
USDA Announces $824 Million in New Funding to Protect Livestock Health; Launches Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program

Press Release
Release No. 0103.24

Contact: USDA Press
Email: press@usda.gov
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2024

Excerpt:


Voluntary Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program

Continuing to build on the efforts to contain H5N1, APHIS is standing up a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program, which provides alternative testing and movement options to the Federal Order to increase USDA's monitoring capabilities to mitigate the spread of H5N1. The Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program aims to create additional testing options for producers with herds that have tested negative for three weeks in a row, further reduce H5N1 virus dissemination, provide for further opportunities to test herds that are not known to be affected with H5N1, increase surveillance and expand our knowledge of the disease, and support an overall national program to reduce the risk of H5N1 in dairy herds.

The main benefit for farmers who choose to enroll in the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program is that once they can demonstrate their herds are free of H5N1 with results from a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) facility, they will then need to conduct weekly tests on bulk milk from that herd to confirm that status and will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals.

Dairy producers from States enrolled in the first phase of this program who choose to enroll their herds and who test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks using on-farm bulk tank milk samples or similar representative milk samples tested at a NAHLN laboratory will be able to move animals without additional pre-movement testing currently required under the Federal Order. Producers must also comply with continued regular weekly monitoring and testing of the herd for H5N1.

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-re...-million-new-funding-protect-livestock-health
 
....so when they re-test these herds next week, and they should test positive for a 2nd week in a row, do they post it as a new "entry". Or do they somehow indicate it is a continued testing of the same herd.....it sure is getting murky!
 
Colorado State Veterinarian now requiring HPAI testing of commercial dairy cow operations
Aug 2, 2024​
Colorado Department of Agriculture

Excerpt:

The statewide surveillance will take place under the joint supervision of CDA and CDPHE with support from USDA and will remain until further notice by the Commissioner of Agriculture or State Veterinarian.​
-snip-
During this time, all Colorado CDPHE licensed dairy cow facilities with lactating dairy cattle that produce products for human consumption will be required to submit weekly samples for testing. These samples will be collected by CDPHE-certified collection samplers and tested by the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Dairies currently under order of quarantine or order for testing are subject to those specific orders. This does not include raw milk facilities.

https://www.thefencepost.com/news/c...i-testing-of-commercial-dairy-cow-operations/
 
CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update August 9, 2024
...
Laboratory Update

CDC is posting summary results of a new laboratory study using a ferret animal model. The study looked at disease severity and spread of an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from a human case in Michigan in ferrets. Ferrets are commonly used as a model for humans in the study of influenza viruses because they are susceptible to influenza virus infection and display clinical signs of infection shared by humans. The study showed that A/Michigan/90/2024 caused less severe disease in ferrets than an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from the human case in Texas (A/Texas/37/2024).

While the A/Texas virus was deadly in all infected ferrets, none of the ferrets infected with the A/Michigan virus died or had to be euthanized because of severe illness. This finding is important because A/Michigan/90/2024 is more similar to currently circulating viruses than A/Texas/372024. The two viruses showed similar, less-than-efficient capacity to spread from ferret to ferret by respiratory droplets. CDC scientists used two models to assess the ability of A/Michigan/90/2024 to spread between ferrets: a "direct contact model" and a "respiratory droplet model." In the direct contact model, infected and healthy ferrets are placed in the same enclosure. In the respiratory droplet model, infected and healthy ferrets are placed in adjacent enclosures that share the same air. The results were similar to those of a previous CDC study​ in ferrets of the A/Texas/372024 virus from the human case in Texas that was reported on April 1, 2024.
...

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...-h5n1-bird-flu-response-update-august-9-2024​
 
HOGVET51
AUG 11, 2024
Michigan PH Reports on 2 H5N1 cases - IRAT Update - CO Cats - Lessons Keep Coming to Further Paint the Big Picture


In last weekend’s (August 3rd) post I made a statement I want to bring back this week to reemphasize:

The key factor we can often overlook or minimize is the date of sampling (farm visit) versus the date of estimated initiation of clinical illness (if observed). Antigen (PCR) results are not like serology results - they can be very unstable even over 24 hours as infections progresses on dynamic surfaces like nasal mucosa. Positive nasal swab results do not remain reliably positive over long periods.
​...continued

...Bovine H5N1 influenza is likely rapidly becoming endemic in the U.S. dairy industry, given all the unrestricted movement within both the dairy and beef industries. Both poultry and humans (and even cats) serve as “sentinels” for new infections, and retail milk samples and wastewater surveillance provide additional evidence. I’d urge that those who doubt or fear this reality should prevail upon the USDA to allow provisional serological testing for non-regulatory purposes in order to fine-tune cut-off values and determine with greater precision the degree of inroads this virus has made into cattle populations across the country.

I honestly hope I’m crying wolf over a much less serious situation. So please prove me wrong. Let’s enroll some owner-veterinarian-researcher volunteers to investigate sub-clinical early-stage (e.g. CO bulk tank positive herds) cases from beginning to resolution in the field as an outbreak unfolds. Veterinarians from previously affected herds could be consulted first to intelligently determine objectives. Include follow-up with serological sampling in both affected and healthy herd mates. Public health partners could monitor and sample workers daily as a herd becomes ill, then later recovers. If we’re going to mandate sampling, let’s use early infected herds to our advantage in studying the course of infection, resulting in documented herd epidemiological report(s) with similar information on the animal side that was found in the human Michigan public health report with which I opened the blog.

Widespread serological surveys and in-the-field real-time case monitoring and reporting (both with appropriate privacy safeguards) would be powerful tools in understanding our next steps and quantifying our risks. Do we have the honesty and courage to actually do it?


https://hogvet51.substack.com/p/michigan-ph-reports-on-2-h5n1-cases
 
Hat tip to Shiloh
FDA: Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - August 13, 2024

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...athogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-august-13-2024

Excerpt:
...


Second Retail Sample Survey Results (August 13, 2024)

On Aug. 13, 2024, the FDA announced the results from the agency’s second survey of retail dairy products. Samples were processed and analyzed by a USDA-Agricultural Research Services (ARS) laboratory from June 18 – July 31, 2024. All 167 samples were found to be negative for viable H5N1 virus. The FDA’s second sampling survey tested dairy products collected at retail locations, including aged raw milk cheese, pasteurized fluid milk and products made from pasteurized milk, such as pasteurized cheeses, cream cheese, butter, and ice cream.

The samples, collected by a third party, were aseptically repackaged to remove identifying manufacturing marks and then sent to USDA-ARS for extraction and analysis. USDA reported the results to the FDA. No viable virus was detected in the samples. These results strengthen previous assessments that commercial pasteurization inactivates the H5N1 virus. USDA ARS and FDA are submitting the survey results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The prepublication is available at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.11.24311811v1External Link Disclaimer.

The tables below provide additional details on the samples and test results for our second survey of retail dairy products.

Table 1: Breakdown of Retail Sample Results by State Where Fluid Milk Was Processed

State Where Milk Was Processed (May Not Relate to Where Milk Was Produced)
Detection of Live Virus in Retail Product(s)
Number of Retail Product Samples Tested
Retail Product Samples Negative for Viral RNA (qRT-PCR Screening -)
Retail Product Samples Positive for Viral RNA (qRT-PCR Screening +)
Retail Product Sample Results for Live Virus (Viability Testing by Egg Inoculation)​
ALNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
AZNo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
CANo660Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
CTNo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
DENo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
IDNo9270
ILNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
KYNo3210
LANo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
MDNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
MENo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
MSNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
MTNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NCNo220Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NDNo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NENo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NHNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NJNo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
NMNo220Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
OHNo220Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
PANo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
RINo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
SDNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
TNNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
VANo110Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
VTNo330Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)
WINo10100Not Performed (Negative qRT-PCR)

Table 2: Breakdown of Retail Sample Results by Product Type

Product Category
Number of Retail Product Samples
Detection of Live Virus in Retail Product
Retail Product Samples Negative for Viral RNA (qRT-PCR Screening -)
Retail Product Samples Positive for Viral RNA (qRT-PCR Screening +)
Percent of Retail Product Samples Positive for Viral RNA (via qRT-PCR screening)

Retail Product Sample Results for Live Virus (Confirmatory Virus Culture)​
Skim Milk7No700%N/A
1% Milk11No9218.2%0/11
2% Milk23No2214.3%0/23
Whole Milk38No33513.20/38
Heavy Cream1No100%N/A
Cheddar Cheese14No12214.3%0/14
Mozzarella Cheese12No6650.0%0/12
Processed Cheese6No5116.7%0/6
Cream Cheese3No300%N/A
Butter7No4342.9%0/7
Ice Cream22No13940.9%0/22
Aged Raw Cheese23No2300%N/A
Total167None1382917.4%0/167

...

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-adv...pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai#secondtesting
 
Influenza A Virus Wastewater Data

Updated August 15, 2024

Main Findings from Wastewater Surveillance

During the two most recent weeks, (July 28, 2024–August 10, 2024), a total of 285 of 826 sites reported data meeting criteria for analysis for influenza A virus for both weeks or for either week, and 0 (0%) sites from 0 states were at a high level (>80th percentile compared to levels recorded at that site between October 1, 2023 and March 2, 2024).
...
Data Table
...
Id:427 7 Illinois Cook Above Average 69.05 Two-Week Maximum 30,000 2022-10-10
Id:1723 7 Oregon Deschutes Above Average 61.9 Two-Week Maximum 90,000 2021-09-26
Id:449 8 Illinois Kankakee Above Average 75.61 Two-Week Maximum 60,000 2022-10-10
Id:463 7 Illinois Mchenry Above Average 60.47 Two-Week Maximum 20,000 2022-10-06
Id:455 8 Illinois Lake Above Average 70.93 Two-Week Maximum 110,000 2022-10-05
Id:1153 8 Nebraska Buffalo Above Average 73.17 Two-Week Maximum 30,000 2023-08-31

...

https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/wastewater-surveillance/Flu-A-data.html
 
Translation Google

Canada -

Additional requirement for cattle returning to the country

ACIA prepares for U.S. exhibitions

By Marie-Josée Parent
Posted: 2 hours ago​

As of August 14, owners of Canadian domestic cattle returning from a stay in the United States of less than 60 days will be required to provide additional certification.
This requirement includes completing Form VS 17-140 and the Export Certificate Attestation Document published on the USDA website .

Canada remains free of avian influenza in cattle, while cases are increasing in the United States. Since the first case last spring, 192 cases have been reported in 13 U.S. states. In the last 30 days, there have been 31 cases in six states.

The CFIA reminds that good biosecurity practices are essential to prevent diseases in Canadian herds.

The Agency also plans to announce in the coming days guidelines for dairy producers planning to participate in agricultural exhibitions in the United States. Several Canadian dairy producers participate each year in the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, which will be held this year from October 1 to 4, 2024.

...

https://www.lebulletin.com/elevage/exigence-supplementaire-bovins-revenant-canada-135694
 
[bolding mine]

Flu virus that killed millions of poultry found in dairy cows. Is it in California?

​8/15/24
Excerpt:

For now, California remains free of avian flu. Industry officials credit the coordinated mitigation efforts of dairy operators, scientists and health officials for holding the line and keeping the virus out of the state....


California, lead by the San Joaquin Valley, dominates U.S. milk production, pumping out more than 4 billion pounds annually. In the Valley, Tulare County reigns as the number one milk producer in the nation, supplying about one-fourth of the state’s production.

Extra vigilant

Tulare County dairy farmer Tom Barcellos has remained extra vigilant since news broke of the avian flu. Dairy operators in California are no strangers to protecting against diseases. In 2012 a dairy cow in Tulare County was discovered to have Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

The cow was euthanized and was not slated for the ground beef market. Nationwide, about 20% of the U.S. ground beef supply comes from dairy cows.

Barcellos keeps a close watch over his cow’s health and maintains strict guidelines for who is allowed on his dairy. His dairy workers also regularly use hand washes and sanitizing products when working around the cows.

Recently, Barcellos sold some of his bulls and when the buyer came to pick them up, the driver sprayed his trailer, including tires, with a disinfectant before entering the dairy.

“The folks who come onto our dairy are taking precautions, and we are as well,” Barcellos said. “If that virus comes into California, it is not going to happen without the industry having taken precautions.”

... https://ca.style.yahoo.com/news/flu-virus-killed-millions-poultry-153000407.html
 
[bolding is mine]

Fewer Cows at Fairs Due to H5N1 Testing
Iowa
8/17/2024 | 8:15 AM CDT

Excerpts:
Some exhibitors at the Iowa State Fair changed from what they would normally take to the dairy show to protect their herds at home from any risk of influenza.

Brandon Franck from DeWitt, Iowa, is the assistant herdsman of LeeAnn's Swiss where they milk about 80 Brown Swiss cows and have exhibited at the Iowa State Fair for many years. He said they decided to leave their fresh cows home from the fair this year. "We opted to not bring any lactating cows this year to the fair because of the testing requirements. We brought four heifers this year for the show," he said

TESTING REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT SPREAD

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship started a statewide order on July 1 to require all lactating dairy cows to test negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) within seven days of moving to the exhibition.
-snip-
​As of Aug. 15, all the H5N1 cases in Iowa have been in northwest Iowa. While Franck said it hasn't been an issue in eastern Iowa, where their farm is, they also don't want to see problems.

"In eastern Iowa, it's been a non-issue. We haven't seen any cases, so none of the prevention stuff really applies to us in regard to spread within the herd. We are practicing biosecurity just like we always have," he said.

The heifers they did bring for the show will return to farms where no lactating cows are present, and they hope this will provide another amount of protection from the virus.

"There are people who would have normally brought cows to the fair that didn't this year, and overall, it seems the numbers at the fair are down from a normal year when we don't have any herd health concerns," said Franck. Other producers who did have lactating cows at the fair declined to comment about the process they needed to do to show their animals.

https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/w...24/08/17/dairy-producers-leave-lactating-cows
​.
 
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