#18,029
This afternoon the USDA's (HPAI) Detections in Livestock website added Colorado to the list of states (n=9) reporting confirmed HPAI in cattle, raising the total number of confirmed outbreaks to 34.
Despite multiple reports of labs finding a significant percentage of contaminated milk products on store shelves, this is only the 2nd herd confirmation over the past 7 days.
Testing - except prior to interstate transport - remains voluntary, and reports on Wednesday's CDC/HHS/USDA teleconference indicated that the USDA has seen some resistance to testing by members of the dairy industry.
Today the USDA released two new updated guidance documents:
- 4/26/24-APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock For State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers
4/26/24-Testing Guidance for Labs for Influenza A in Livestock
In addition to testing cattle, the second document recommends:
Testing Wildlife
Sampling dead and dying birds as well as mammals particularly around affected premises is encouraged. Contact the local wildlife agency or call USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-4USDA-WS (or 1-866-487-3297). They can assist with identification and sampling. Birds are sampled by collecting oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs.
- Recommended samples from mammals include brain (preferred if clinically affected) or oral, nasal, or rectal swabs. After sampling, swabs should be placed in MTM or BHI.
- Wild bird mortality events in and around affected premises should be reported to the State Wildlife Agency or APHIS Wildlife Services at 1-866-4USDA-WS.
- Wildlife samples should be designated as “other” with “wildlife” specified on laboratory submission forms.
- Apparently healthy wildlife should not be euthanized solely for sampling. Nuisance wildlife removed with the appropriate State and Federal permits can be sampled with appropriate coordination with your local WS office or State Wildlife Agency.
Testng Sick or Dead Cats or Other Companion Animals near Affected Premises
Cats are particularly suspectable to H5N1 2.3.4.4b viruses; cats with neurologic disease and dead cats on affected dairies are widely reported.
- Brain swabs from affected cats (or whole carcasses) can be submited to NAHLN laboratories.
- Other domestic animals associated with affected farms showing illness should be tested. Contact your NALHN laboratory for consultation.
