(Des Moines)– Another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a northwest Iowa dairy herd, this time in Sioux county. That word today (Fri.) from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig is requesting resources from USDA that will support impacted poultry and dairy farmers as well as enhance state response efforts. The Department is also updating existing testing protocols to include testing of dairy farms around infected poultry sites. This is a longstanding protocol already in place for poultry. Officials say the requirement will provide a better understanding of the possible spread of the virus and allow the Department to enhance its response capabilities.
Ag Department officials add that because there is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products, no restrictions on the shipment of milk are planned. No intrastate movement restrictions are being placed on dairy cattle at this time. USDA’s federal order regulating the interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle remains in effect.
The Department continues to strongly recommend dairy farmers and poultry producers incorporate comprehensive biosecurity protocols on their farms.
