Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on dozens of dairy farms in nine U.S. states have prompted U.S. and Canadian regulators to impose testing restrictions on the transport of lactating animals. .
Dennis Raycraft, executive vice president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said the virus appears to replicate in mammary gland tissue, possibly making dairy cows more susceptible, and in beef herds in close proximity to positive cases in the United States. He said no infections have been confirmed. infected with a virus.
As of April 29, lactating animals entering Canada are subject to the same testing requirements as interprovincial animal movements in the United States.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to monitor and test Canadian animals for HPAI, and Raycraft said more stringent testing of dairy animals entering Canada makes sense from an animal health and HPAI monitoring perspective. However, there is currently no testing requirement for all cattle. Not guaranteed.
“There should be no additional restrictions[on animal movement]” at this time, Raycraft said, adding that while there doesn’t seem to be any value in testing young animals at this stage, there is just as much to be learned. He added that it was necessary. It is very important to know as much as possible about the disease and how it spreads.
Editor’s note: This interview was recorded on the morning of May 3, 2024.
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