Wisconsin State Farmer
AD
0:05
https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.645.0_en.html#goog_1465112261
Dairy exhibitors heading to fairs or exhibitions this summer will have one more thing to check off their list: having their cow tested for bird flu.
During a media call Tuesday, state officials from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced all lactating dairy cattle bound for the show ring or other gathering will have to provide proof of a negative test before climbing into the show trailer.
Wisconsin State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle said the order regarding intrastate movement is an effort to prevent the spread of bird flu in dairy cattle. The order is effective June 19, the same day the 127th Elroy Fair kicks off its five-day run in Juneau County.
“We are collaborating with the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, helping them with outreach and getting the word out to exhibitors and fair organizers across the state,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski.
The confirmation of bird flu in dairy herds in the Upper Midwest, including in Michigan — and most recently Minnesota and Iowa — has spurred state officials to take action to minimize the risk of the illness being introduced or spread among cattle in the Badger state. To date, Wisconsin has not confirmed a case of the virus in dairy cattle, Konkle said.
Bird flu has been detected in dairy cattle in more than 90 herds across 12 states. In addition to the USDA Federal Order that requires Influenza A testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle, today’s announcement will limit the risk of commingling infected animals.
“With the busy fair season ahead of us, DATCP is activating its regulatory authority to protect the dairy, poultry and livestock industries in our state,” Konkle said.
According to state guidelines, a fair is defined as a state, local or county event, and an exhibition is an event at which animals from different locations are comingled at a single location. Konkle confirmed that the order does not restrict in-state herd-to-herd movement. Movement of animals to licensed livestock markets is also exempt.
How are cattle tested?
In order to move lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions within the state, producers must receive a negative test for the bird flu virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network lab, with samples collected no more than 7 days prior to movement to the fair or exhibition.
Konkle noted that the testing is available to producers at no cost through USDA APHIS at network laboratories. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples.
“Most fairs already have a veterinarian that they work with, but we are also willing to help connect families with veterinarians around the state,” Konkle said.
Konkle said that samples can be dropped off at a designated laboratory by 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday, with results being released at the end of the day. Samples left on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday will be tested the next business day.
This intrastate order will remain in effect until 60 days after the last detection of H5N1 in cattle herds in the United States. The virus was first diagnosed in a Texas herd at the end of March.
Biosecurity important in protecting herd and state industry
Konkle said dairy producers and those working with dairy are strongly encouraged to continue practicing strict biosecurity to protect their herds. DATCP is closely monitoring bird flu in dairy cattle and continues to encourage producers that notice unusual clinical signs in their cattle to work with their herd veterinarian.
To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact DATCP at 608-224-4872 (business hours) or 800-943-0003 (after hours and weekends). Reports can also be emailed to datcpanimalimports@wisconsin.gov.
Romanski stressed the importance of communicating factual information to the public about the safety of the country’s food supply despite worrisome headlines.
“Numerous tests have been done on ground beef and muscle tissue and they’re not finding any sign of the virus. Of course, cooking meat properly is also important,” Romanski said. “Pasteurization also keeps our milk supply safe. The public needs to hear this message.”
Exposing the Big Game 