How the Hog Industry is Responding to Avian Flu Outbreak
USAgNet - 07/09/2024
A multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza Type A (H5N1) in dairy cows began on March 25 in Texas. The cross-species outbreak immediately drew the attention of pork industry organizations whose representatives began collaborating for a
cohesive, coordinated - not duplicative - effort to be informed, engaged and responsive on behalf of the pig farmers and practitioners they represent and serve.
"Since H5N1 was identified in dairy cattle, there's been constant collaboration and communication between partners in the pork industry," remarked Marisa Rotolo, veterinary epidemiologist, director of swine health, National Pork Board. "The Pork Board has
been meeting at least weekly with stakeholders from the Swine Health Information Center, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, The Meat Institute, the National Pork Producers Council, the USDA and others to closely monitor H5N1 updates and
response within the dairy industry. These meetings give us the opportunity to discuss the potential implications and possible response."
As of July 7, H5N1 has been confirmed in dairy cattle in 12 states. This includes 28 herds in Idaho, 25 in Michigan, 27 in Colorado, 21 in Texas, 12 in Iowa, eight in New Mexico, seven in Minnesota, five in South Dakota, four in Kansas and one each in North
Carolina, Ohio and Wyoming, per USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. H5N1 has not been found in pigs.
In an opinion piece by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack titled, "Good Biosecurity Is the Key to Mitigating the Spread of H5N1," released on June 26, he wrote, "The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a
critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential - to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families and the rural economy they make possible." Pork
industry representatives support efforts being made by the dairy and poultry sectors, while looking for lessons in their experience to apply in the event it is needed for pigs.
Collaboration is critical for preparedness and response, not only with other pork organizations, but within the barnyard and beyond. "We have those relationships in place and communicate almost daily with our colleagues in other pork organizations, and
frequently with those working in animal health, human health and the regulatory space," said Abbey Canon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, director of public health and communications with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
Part of AASV's mission is to increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians, protect and promote the health and well-being of pigs, and advocate for science-based approaches to veterinary, industry and public health issues. Canon says the organization strives to disseminate the most up-to-date information that swine veterinarians need and can use or distribute to their clients.
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