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Indiana’s dairy herd remains HPAI free, BOAH continues to urge strong biosecurity practices

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the dairy industry continues to monitor the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Denise Derrer Spears tells Brownfield, “We’ve achieved stage four under USDA’s National Milk Test Strategy. We want to maintain that status, so we’re doing monthly monitoring of commercial tanker loads of milk as they come in.”

She says livestock producers are taking preventative steps to enhance their biosecurity measures.

“There are threats out there all of the time,” she says. “You just have to assume that the virus is out there in the environment and can make contact at any point. Anytime you’re entering a barn or a space where those animals are housed, make sure your feet, clothing, and hands are clean.” 

The USDA says HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle in 19 states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk.

BOAH is reminding dairy producers to be vigilant in their surveillance. According to rules established by the USDA, lactating dairy cattle must have a negative test before interstate movement.  The department has also expanded surveillance through testing milk at the farm or processor level to establish the health status of herds, as well as states.

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AUDIO: Denise Derrer Spears, Indiana State Board of Animal Health