Farms.com Home   News

CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries

OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.

Avian influenza has not been discovered in dairy cattle or other livestock in Canada. But since March, U.S. officials have confirmed cases of the illness in dairy cow herds in nine states.

Officials suspect that wild birds may have spread the virus to the cattle, though it appears cattle experience a milder form of the illness than birds.

No cows have died from the virus, and affected cattle typically recover with a couple of weeks.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Breaking Biosecurity: The First U.S. Case of H5N1 in Pigs and What It Means for Producers

Video: Breaking Biosecurity: The First U.S. Case of H5N1 in Pigs and What It Means for Producers

Dr. Gisele Ravagnani provides insights into the recent detection of H5N1 in an Oregon pig, marking the first U.S. case in swine. H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza, primarily affects birds but has now crossed into swine. This development raises concerns for both swine and poultry producers due to potential interspecies transmission. Producers are advised to enhance biosecurity measures, such as controlling farm access and monitoring animal health. While the risk to human health remains low, it's crucial to protect workers through proper hygiene and protective equipment. Producers should watch for symptoms like respiratory distress in their herds and consult veterinarians promptly if infections are suspected.