The recent mysterious disease affecting cattle in the U.S. is avian influezna, and the source is wild birds. My research team has been studying pest bird management on dairies for over eight years, and we have learned a few tricks that we would like to share with you.

The USDA, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly released a statement on March 25 confirming the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. Here are several preventive measures for farms to protect their animals and best practices for herds affected by the avian influenza.

This year marks eight years of progress in pest bird management research in my laboratory. Eight years ago, I asked a group of dairy farmers my typical question, “What keeps you up at night?”

Dairy barns are meant to be comfortable and safe housing for cattle. But other animals tend to make a barn their home as well. These uninvited visitors pose a serious threat.