When High-Path Avian Flu recently jumped to pigs, pork groups called it surprising but not unexpected.
The Swine Health Information Center says it is a good reminder that biosecurity protocols are a must.
“What are the biosecurity risks? How can we prevent exposure to wild birds? But also think about operational connections to poultry and dairy farms, reducing the risk of feral swine exposure, and protecting the health of our U.S. swine industry,” said Dr. Megan Niederwerder.
On the dairy side, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced plans to do mass testing on the U.S. milk supply. The Department will focus on several hotspots first, like Texas and California. Vilsack says from there, they can come up with a plan of attack.
“If it turns out that there’s a virus, we’ll then begin the process of going to more specific testing, bulk tank testing on farms, so that we can identify exactly where the virus might be.”
15 states have now confirmed HPAI in dairy herds. Utah was the latest state with eight commercial dairies reporting cases. Health and food officials stress there is no danger to the U.S. food supply.
