MDARD and MSU Veterinary Lab Combine Forces to Fight HPAI
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
When the first notifications about suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Michigan dairy cattle came in, the state’s crisis response plans were well-rehearsed.
“For the two years prior to the detection in cattle, we had been working with the state to respond to outbreaks in backyard flocks and commercial poultry facilities,” says Dr. Kimberly Dodd, dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “We were already kicked into high gear to respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza.”
In her previous role, Dodd was director of MSU’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which works closely with national partners and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is the only Michigan lab authorized to test for HPAI in any species.
See more: Michigan State University ERAIL Program Helps Prepare for Livestock Accidents
Battling a New Threat
HPAI, commonly known as “bird flu,” is highly contagious and deadly for poultry and many other bird species and typically originates from wild migratory waterfowl, according to MDARD.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of HPAI in Michigan dairy cattle for the first time in March 2024, and soon after that, the state also learned of a larger poultry outbreak in the state. Dr. Nora Wineland, MDARD’s state veterinarian, says the state requested USDA assistance to combat these new outbreaks.
“Due to the extent and complexity of the situation, we requested national involvement to bring additional resources and expertise to determine how the disease was moving between farms,” Wineland says. “Movements are going on every day, so waiting would have allowed further spread.”
HPAI typically shows up in the mammary glands of lactating cattle and results in a serious yet “self-limiting” illness involving a drop in milk production and loss of appetite, Dodd says. Infected cows produce large volumes of virus in their milk, which can be transmitted to other species. Due to pasteurization and other food safety practices, there is a low risk of HPAI entering the food chain.
The USDA required testing for interstate movement, and the state required increased biosecurity and additional testing before cattle could participate in fairs.
“Our current focus is on clearing affected herds, determining if they are now negative and recruiting herds to participate in ongoing monitoring to allow us to continue to learn more about where the disease is and where it is not and how we can best prevent disease occurrence or recurrence,” Wineland says.