How can you best protect your cattle herd from HPAI?

Amid reports of High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza infiltrating multiple dairy herds across several states, the National Milk Producers Federation emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures in protecting cattle and preserving herd health.

As dairy operations navigate these outbreaks, they hope collaborative efforts and steadfast adherence to biosecurity protocols will help mitigate the situation.

“You know, the fact that we are dealing with bird flu is not news. We’ve had bird flu in the US for a number of years. The fact that it’s in dairy cattle or different species, that’s what makes this an unusual situation. I think the good news is that everything we’ve seen so far indicates that even though wild birds have introduced this to a handful of herds. It’s only about a dozen at this point. It doesn’t seem to bother, or in fact most of the animals in those herds. Most of the animals come back after being ill that they return to feed consumption and milk production, and it doesn’t seem to be really transmitted to.

“So it’s something we’re going to have to manage and continue monitoring. I know it’s a lot of people are anxious, but a lot of it has to do with the unknown simply because we haven’t had to deal with this virus in in cattle before,” said Chris Galen.

Related Stories
The Iowa Soybean Association shows us how one company, Benson Hill, is helping farmers grow soybeans with a specific purpose.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.