DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — As the U.S. dairy industry deals with a bird flu outbreak, impacting multiple farms and even people, the egg industry can provide insights on how to manage the spread of the disease, although eradicating the virus remains a challenge.
Past bird flu outbreaks in the U.S. have occurred, but the current one began in February 2022, resulting in the culling of nearly 100 million chickens and turkeys. While hot spots still exist, their frequency has decreased due to enhanced biosecurity measures on farms and collaborative efforts between companies and agricultural authorities, experts note.
Dairy farmers could potentially adopt similar protective measures, but the unique characteristics of cows and the dairy industry present challenges in applying lessons learned from the egg industry.
How can a 1,500-pound cow and a 5-pound chicken have the same illness?
The term “bird flu” is used because the disease is primarily transmitted by wild birds who can survive infections. Many mammals, including sea lions and skunks, can also contract the illness.
Animals can become infected by consuming infected birds or being exposed to environments with the virus. However, there are significant differences in how cows and chickens respond to infection.
Unlike cows, bird flu often proves fatal for chickens and turkeys within days of infection, leading to mass culling. While some dairy farms have had to euthanize infected cows due to lingering symptoms and decreased milk production, this is not the norm, according to Russ Daly, an extension veterinarian at South Dakota State University.
Although bird flu is typically not fatal for cows, infected animals may become more susceptible to other common dairy ailments like bacterial pneumonia and udder infections.
What measures has the egg industry taken to protect chickens?
Egg producers have implemented stringent hygiene practices.
To prevent disease transmission, workers are required to shower, change into clean clothes before entering a barn, and shower again upon leaving. Additionally, trucks are regularly washed, and tires are treated with solutions to eliminate virus remnants.
Many egg farms use lasers and special fencing to deter wild birds from entering the premises.
Emily Metz, President of the American Egg Board, stated that these efforts have been crucial in mitigating the current outbreak. Jada Thompson, an agriculture business professor at the University of Arkansas, emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance despite the challenges associated with disease prevention.
While cases of bird flu in broiler chickens (raised for meat) are less common, this can be attributed to their shorter lifespan of 6 to 8 weeks, reducing the risk of infection.
Can similar measures be implemented to protect cows and dairy workers?
Yes and no.
Dairy farms can limit disease spread by restricting access to barns, implementing protective gear for workers, and maintaining hygiene. However, the nature of dairy farming presents unique challenges due to the size and behavior of cows.
Keith Poulsen, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Laboratory, highlighted the challenges of maintaining cleanliness in dairy parlors and equipment due to the nature of dairy operations.
Poulsen suggested that the dairy industry could benefit from establishing research organizations similar to those in the poultry and pork industries to respond more effectively to threats like bird flu.
Efforts to combat the virus include the USDA’s forthcoming testing of a vaccine for calves, as well as ongoing research into developing vaccines for poultry that can be administered conveniently and effectively.
As the disease spreads to dairy cows and humans, developing cost-effective and resilient vaccination strategies becomes increasingly critical.
Thompson noted the importance of ongoing research and collaboration within the dairy industry to effectively address and prevent disease outbreaks like bird flu.
