Chinn: Dairy Cattle Safeguards Already In Place
A Holstein dairy cow on a farm in Osage County, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

The discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows in at least six states including Kansas has surrounding states taking action to minimize the risk of the virus spreading to their herds.  Ag officials in Nebraska have announced that any lactating dairy cattle brought into their state must receive a certificate of veterinary inspection.  That’s a procedure already in place in Missouri, according to state agriculture director Chris Chinn.

Chinn says producers must remain vigilant for any potential signs of infection, as well as take steps to minimize spreading the disease.

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn notes that nearly all dairy cattle who become infected with HPAI will recover.  She adds that any milk produced while the cow is infected is dumped and does not enter the food supply chain.