On Sept. 15, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Nebraska.

Cows infected with salmonella can shed organisms in their manure, colostrum, saliva, milk and vaginal and nasal secretions. The disease is commonly spread from one cow to another when she consumes the manure of an animal that is shedding the bacteria. Cows usually ingest this infected manure in their feed or water. 

As the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu continues to present challenges in dairy herds, the need for practical treatment strategies arises. This article walks through the critical first steps dairies should take when faced with a positive bulk tank test, common clinical signs to watch for, recommended treatment strategies and equipment to manage sick cows effectively.

Bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was a wild card for the dairy industry in 2024, as the first diagnosis in dairy cattle happened in Texas in late March. Progressive Dairy interviewed state veterinarians and animal health officials in the five states with the most cases of bird flu on dairy farms – Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado and California – to learn more about their approach to managing and minimizing the disease.