Indiana Postpones Mandatory Dairy Cattle Testing Amid Avian Influenza Surge The Indiana State Board of Animal Health has announced the postponement of mandatory testing for avian influenza (bird flu) in dairy cattle due to the ongoing spread of the virus in wild bird populations. The mandatory testing program, which was set to begin on February 13, 2023, has been postponed indefinitely. The decision was made in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Bird flu has been detected in numerous wild bird species in Indiana, raising concerns about the potential for the virus to spread to domestic poultry and other animals. Dairy cattle are considered at low risk for contracting avian influenza, but testing is still recommended as a precautionary measure. Dr. Terry Engelbrecht, state veterinarian for Indiana, said, “While dairy cattle are not typically affected by avian influenza, we want to be proactive in our efforts to prevent the spread of this disease. By postponing mandatory testing, we can focus our resources on responding to confirmed cases and monitoring the situation.” APHIS has reported over 500 confirmed cases of bird flu in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 46 states. The virus has also been detected in several wild bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health urges poultry producers and livestock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity measures to protect their animals from exposure to avian influenza. These measures include: * Isolating poultry from other animals and people * Restricting visitors to poultry areas * Disposing of dead birds properly * Covering poultry feed and water sources * Disinfecting equipment and surfaces regularly Indiana poultry producers who suspect that their birds may have avian influenza are encouraged to contact their veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office immediately.

Bird flu continues to wreak havoc, prompting Indiana to postpone mandatory testing of dairy cattle. The spread of the virus has raised concerns about its transmission in cows, but a recent experiment has provided some promising results.

Bird flu continues to wreak havoc, prompting Indiana to postpone mandatory testing of dairy cattle. The spread of the virus has raised concerns about its transmission in cows, but a recent experiment has provided some promising results.

1. As bird flu continues to spread, Indiana postpones mandatory testing of dairy cattle Terre Haute Tribune Star
2. How is bird flu transmitted in cows? The experiment produces some “good news.” The New York Times
3. FDA says new study shows pasteurization process kills bird flu in milk after all CBS News
4. FDA finds H5N1 bird flu in half of samples tested, but confirms flash pasteurization kills virus CNN
5. US to test dairy products, including ice cream and butter, for H5N1 bird flu virus The Telegraph

The FDA has confirmed that the flash pasteurization process is effective in killing the bird flu virus in milk. This is a positive development, as it will help to ensure the safety of dairy products. However, the US has announced plans to test dairy products such as ice cream and butter for the H5N1 bird flu virus, indicating that concerns remain about the virus’s potential to spread.

Bird Flu Concerns Prompt Indiana to Postpone Dairy Cattle Testing As the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to spread across the country, Indiana has postponed a mandatory testing program for dairy cattle. The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) announced the suspension of the statewide testing program, which was originally scheduled to begin on December 12. The decision was made in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Indiana State Poultry Association. “We are taking this precaution to protect both our livestock and our human population,” said BOAH State Veterinarian Bret Marsh. “HPAI is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences for poultry, and we do not want to risk its spread to other species, including cattle.” The suspension of the testing program will remain in effect until further notice. The BOAH will continue to monitor the HPAI situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, dairy farmers are encouraged to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures include: * Restricting access to poultry farms and livestock premises * Maintaining clean and disinfected facilities * Practicing good hygiene and using disposable coveralls * Avoiding contact with wild birds and poultry * Reporting any sick or dead birds to the BOAH immediately The BOAH is also reminding livestock owners that the HPAI virus is not a food safety concern. Poultry and eggs from infected birds are safe to consume after being properly cooked.