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Illinois continuing to monitor H5N1 in dairy cattle

The Illinois state veterinarian says the state is increasing its efforts to monitor dairy cattle for H5N1 avian flu.

Dr. Mark Ernst tells Brownfield, “The Illinois Department of Public Health is beginning their initiation of milk testing at processors, and so that should give us an idea as to whether or not we have any affected herds in Illinois,” he says.

Illinois has not had any detections of the disease in dairy cattle.  Ernst says several testing requirements remain in place.

“Still requiring lactating dairy cattle to be tested when crossing state lines.”  He says, “For exhibitions this year, lactating dairy cows are going to be required to have a negative test within seven days prior to entering the exhibition.”

Ernst says there have been 973 confirmed cases of H5N1 in dairy cattle in 17 states.  He says increased biosecurity measures, such as limiting exposure to wild birds, and regular cleaning of milking equipment can help prevent the spread.

AUDIO: Dr. Mark Ernst – Illinois State Veterinarian