By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian flu in a dairy herd located in Stearns County, Minnesota. This discovery was made through the state's proactive milk surveillance program, which is a component of the National Milk Testing Strategy launched by the US Department of Agriculture in December 2024.
The surveillance initiative, which began the week of February 24, involves routine sampling and testing of bulk milk before pasteurization. The goal is to test milk samples from all 1,600 dairies in Minnesota on a monthly basis. This program aims to quickly identify and manage potential outbreaks of diseases like H5N1, which can affect both animal and public health.
Upon detection, the US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the MBAH's findings on March 21. Following this confirmation, the affected herd was immediately quarantined. It is important to note that this herd had a previous H5N1 infection in July 2024 but was declared free of the virus in early September after a standard quarantine period.
This recent detection marks an ongoing challenge in managing H5N1 risks within agricultural settings, particularly in dairies. The MBAH has emphasized that it will continue to update the public and industry stakeholders through its online dashboard, providing timely information on this and any future cases.
In related news, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported another case of H5N1 in a California dairy herd, increasing the national total of confirmed cases to 990, with California accounting for 756 of these. Additionally, the past few days have seen more outbreaks in poultry across several states, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey, affecting both commercial turkey farms and backyard flocks.
This series of outbreaks underscores the importance of stringent biosecurity measures and continuous monitoring in the fight against the spread of H5N1 avian flu. The ongoing surveillance efforts are vital in safeguarding the health of both the agricultural industry and the wider community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Poultry