The Dairy Industry Call Will Be Held on Wednesday, April 3 at 12 p.m. EST
With the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirming highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two dairy cattle herds in Texas and two herds in Kansas, the Center for Dairy Excellence is hosting a Dairy Industry Conference Call on Wednesday, April 3 at 12 p.m. to provide updates on the situation and what it means for Pennsylvania dairy farmers and service professionals. While there are no cases reported in Pennsylvania at this time, the state continues to monitor the rapidly evolving health situation in dairy cattle to prepare for any cases that might emerge in Pennsylvania.
The USDA has confirmed that there is no threat to human health and milk. Dairy products remain safe to consume. Pasteurization (high heat treatment) kills harmful microbes and pathogens in milk, including the influenza virus. Routine testing and well-established protocols for U.S. dairy will continue to ensure that only safe milk enters the food supply. Consumers in the United States and around the world can remain confident in the safety and quality of U.S. dairy.
During the conference call on April 3, Pennsylvania dairy producers and service professionals will hear from Dr. Alex Hamberg, the Pennsylvania State Veterinarian, and Dr. Hayley Springer of Penn State Extension. Dr. Hamberg will share the state’s perspective on what this disease is, how it spreads, and what the state is doing to address it. Dr. Springer will offer updates on biosecurity efforts and what farms can do now to be safe.
“In this rapidly changing health situation, good biosecurity remains one of the best tools for protecting your herd from a variety of diseases, including this newly emerging illness,” shared Dr. Alex Hamberg, Director, Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at the PA Department of Agriculture. “This includes limiting contact between cattle other animals, including wild waterfowl, that are known to carry HPAI. Ensuring free ranging animals and birds do not have access to feed bins, water troughs, spilled feed and animal housing is a good start in beefing up biosecurity.”
Individuals who join the conference call will be able to ask questions about the disease, transmission, what it means for Pennsylvania agriculture, and how to incorporate good biosecurity protocols across the industry.
To ensure as many questions can be addressed as possible, questions can be submitted in advance of the call. Text 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email ctrdairyexcellence@gmail.com.
Learn more about how to join the conference call:
- Date: Wednesday, April 3 at 12 p.m. EST
- How to Join:
Dial +1 646 931 3860
Meeting ID: 880 8063 9319
Passcode: 588077
Click here to join the meeting via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88080639319?pwd=bURDUU9zSG1SQ2RMTVZrcmhtbTVuUT09
- How to submit questions in advance: Text 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email ctrdairyexcellence@gmail.com.
As the dairy industry learns more about HPAI and how it is affecting dairy cattle, the Center for Dairy Excellence will continue to share updates from across the industry. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/newsletter to sign up to receive email updates.