CATTLE HEALTH & MANAGEMENT

In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the detection of a new avian influenza genotype, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1, in dairy cattle. This marks the first time this genotype, previously found mostly in wild birds and poultry, has been identified in cattle. The discovery was made through the USDA's National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in Nevada, following an initial detection in milk samples. This genotype has been circulating among wild and migratory bird populations and has now spilled over into domestic livestock. While the public health risk remains low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation. The USDA and state authorities are conducting further investigations to understand the spread and implement measures to prevent further transmission. Stay informed and stay safe!

On January 10, 2025, Germany reported its first outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) since 1988. The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffaloes near Berlin, specifically in the municipality of Hoppegarten in Brandenburg.  The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany's National Reference Laboratory for FMD, identified the virus as serotype O. What is FMD? FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. While it is not transmissible to humans, it causes significant economic losses due to decreased milk and meat production and restrictions on animal exports. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1201578 Clinical Signs and Transmission The clinical signs of FMD include fever, blisters on the tongue, lips, and hooves, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, lameness, and a drop in milk yield. The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, and even through th...