Diseases

Southern Rust: Coming to a Field Near You?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:21:56 GMT

It’s a corn disease issue creeping north and infiltrating fields earlier than it has in the past and one that thrives in high heat and humidity. With increasing reports of southern rust now being found as far north as Iowa , agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout early and often.

Southern rust is a fungal disease that affects corn crops. It’s trademark is small, orange-colored spots that look like rust.

And as Farm Journal’s Rhonda Brooks reported last week , southern rust can be difficult to distinguish from common rust .

The spots erupt on the upper surface of corn leaves. The disease likes warm and humid conditions, and once it spreads, it can be a major hit to yield, especially if it develops during the critical period of kernel development.

According to Crop Protection Network, southern rust was first reported in Florida and Georgia in mid-June, but the disease has quickly made its way to the Midwest. While the disease has been reported in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, southern Texas, it’s now been reported in a number of counties across the South and Midwest, including:

Arkansas: eight counties
Illinois: eight counties
Indiana: two counties confirmed, but three counties listed as probably cases
Iowa: 30 counties
Kansas: 16 counties
Kentucky: eight counties
Missouri: 12 counties
Nebraska: 27 counties
Oklahoma: three counties

“In addition to tar spot, there’s also been some reports of southern rust, depending on which area you’re in, as that stuff has blown up more from the south,” Missy Bauer told Farm Journal’s Rhonda Brooks during Corn College this week. “If the environment’s conducive for these things to continue, we could see some pretty big disease issues across the Corn Belt this year. We want to be prepared and make sure you’ve got plans in place to deal with this potential disease pressure.”

Dan Quinn, who is an assistant professor of agronomy and Extension corn specialist at Purdue University, says southern rust has been confirmed in southern Indiana, but he has also detected it in northern Indiana, which is early.

“We always track its movement from the south,” Quinn says. “That’s the key. Southern rust in a state like Indiana, we kind of get a clean slate every year. Tarspot is always here, it kind of hangs around, but southern rust we really have to track its movement as it moved up from the South.”

Quinn says Kentucky recently confirmed the disease, and then it appeared in Indiana.

“The thing with southern rust is, one, make sure it is southern rust. So we do have a lot of leaf rust out there. It’s always good to, you know, a lot of universities have diagnostic labs that can confirm that for you. So, first make that it is truly southern rust, but also be mindful of managing it. When it comes in this early, it can impact that crop pretty significantly. So a lot those areas are looking at a fungicide management for that disease.”

He says in his experience, southern rust can take 10% to 20% off yield.

“It’s like tar spot tar spot where I’ve seen 40% to 50% yield reductions. So any of those diseases that impact that green leaf area of that plant and really start to move into the ear, leaf and into the upper canopy, can have pretty severe impacts on yield.”

Quinn’s advice for farmers is to pay attention to where it’s moving. Farmers can track the disease here.

He says farmers need to pay attention to that map daily, which is tracked county by county, to see where the disease has popped up, but also be mindful of weather conditions.

Other advice for farmers includes:

1. Scout fields thoroughly and frequently

Southern rust can spread rapidly under favorable conditions (high temperatures and humidity), so early detection is critical
Inspect fields often, especially those that are late-planted or in low-lying areas, where humidity and moisture tend to linger
Focus on the upper leaves, looking for small, circular, light orange to cinnamon-colored pustules, primarily on the upper surface
Consult resources like the Corn ipmPIPE tool to monitor the disease’s progression in the region

2. Differentiate southern rust from common rust

While symptoms can be similar, common rust is generally less aggressive and causes less yield loss
Southern rust pustules are typically circular or oval, light cinnamon to orange, and primarily found on the upper leaf surfaces, while common rust pustules are more elongated, dark brown and can be found on both upper and lower leaf surfaces
The spores of southern rust will easily rub off on your fingers, unlike tar spot, which is a different disease that can initially look similar to southern rust

3. Consider fungicide application

If Southern rust is detected on multiple plants during the early dent stage or earlier, and hot, humid conditions are expected, a fungicide application might be warranted
Fungicide applications are most effective when applied at the onset of the disease and can help prevent further spread
The optimal timing for fungicide application is generally between the R1 (silking) and R3 (milk) growth stages of corn development
If conditions remain favorable for disease development, a second fungicide application might be necessary, especially for late-planted fields

4. Monitor stalk quality and consider early harvest

Southern rust can weaken stalks and increase susceptibility to stalk rot, potentially leading to lodging and harvest losses
As corn maturity progresses, regularly check stalks for signs of deterioration

What Do Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Europe Mean for the U.S.?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:19:03 GMT

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is rearing its ugly head in Europe. After an outbreak in water buffalo in Germany in January, an outbreak in cattle in Hungary in early March and an outbreak in cattle in Slovakia last week, why now? What is the U.S. doing to keep this foreign animal disease out and protect the country’s livestock industry?

“FMD is caused by a virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals so that can include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” explains Megan Niederwerder, DVM, who serves as the executive director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). “It does not affect humans and is not a threat to food safety, but it has significant trade implications once it is introduced into a country.”

FMD has been fairly quiet in these European countries – with no cases reported for decades. Other parts of Europe have seen outbreaks more recently like the 2001 outbreak in the United Kingdom that caused a crisis in British agriculture and tourism and resulted in the cancellation of the World Pork Expo held in Des Moines, Iowa.

“FMD really decimated the United Kingdom,” says Barb Determan who was serving as president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) at the time. “It became very apparent that we couldn’t guarantee the safety for our U.S. pig herd because of the high numbers of international travelers that would be at the show. We had to cancel World Pork Expo out of an abundance of precaution.”

Although there is still a lot to be discovered about how FMD was introduced into these populations, it’s a significant warning to the U.S. to be on alert.

(Lori Hays)

That was the first time, but not the only time World Pork Expo was canceled. The event was also canceled in 2019 because of the African swine fever outbreak in China and again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That was a hard financial decision,” Determan says. “We had just completed the separation agreement between NPPC and the National Pork Board. NPPC was very tightly budgeted at that time, so it was a huge hit.”

However, keeping the U.S. pig herd safe was the most important thing on everyone’s mind. She says they made their decision after hearing reports from veterinarians who had been to England to better understand the extensiveness as well as from the USDA that had sent veterinarians over to help.

“At that time, we didn’t have near the biosecurity practices and things that we do now with the disinfectant foot mats,” Determan says. “We also don’t have live pigs on the on the grounds now compared to how we did things many years ago. We used to have live pigs everywhere on the fairgrounds in the early 2000s from genetics companies with pigs in their displays to the pigs in the live shows.”

The Truth About FMD
The clinical signs of FMD are similar to what the name implies. It can cause vesicles or blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue of animals that are infected. The U.S. has not had a case of FMD since 1929.

“We certainly want to keep it that way, as the economic implications for producers are significant if the virus is introduced,” Niederwerder says.

Compared to many viruses, FMD is a highly stable, non-enveloped virus that allows it to be infectious for longer periods. It’s very contagious and highly transmissible. Not only are there risks with transmission of the virus through infected meat products that may come in through illegal trade, but it can also be carried on contaminated clothes or equipment or supplies of humans.

“The human would not be infected, but certainly people can carry the virus on contaminated clothing,” Niederwerder says. “That’s why it’s really important as we think about prevention of entry into the U.S.”

FMD causes fever and pain. It results in excessive salivation and causes reduced milk production in dairy cattle.

“When you think about the impact, certainly there’s an impact on animal health with regards to the clinical signs, but even further is this impact on trade restrictions and the economic losses for producers,” Niederwerder says. “When you try and contain the virus, that oftentimes results in those infected animals being culled or euthanized so the disease no longer has the chance to spread.”

Why Should the U.S. Pay Attention?
When a virus moves into a new geographical range or is reintroduced into a country that has maintained a negative status for a long period, Niederwerder says it’s critical to reassess the risk to the U.S.

“In January, Germany reported their first case in over 30 years in water buffalo near Berlin,” she explains. “It was 14 animals, and those animals were all culled after the infection was confirmed but certainly trade restrictions and implications on surrounding areas of that Berlin farm were significant.”

Fast forward to March when two additional countries have reported cases. Hungary reported FMD in a single farm of cattle in the north part of the country for the first time in over 50 years. Shortly thereafter, the virus appeared in Slovakia (who also hadn’t seen a case in over 50 years) in multiple herds of cattle.

“Just recently, another herd was a suspect herd in Slovakia, near the southern border near Hungary,” Niederwerder says. “This is certainly concerning about how this virus is being reintroduced. Is it associated with contaminated fomites that may be in the country or traveling to new locations? Is it associated with wild boar? Could it be associated with infected hay?”

Although there is still a lot to be discovered about how FMD was introduced into these populations, it’s a significant warning to the U.S. to be on alert .

“We need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t get reintroduced into the U.S.,” Niederwerder says. “How can we amp up any biosecurity measures that are necessary to reduce our risk? We also need to think about reducing the risk of introduction into our country through travel and illegal trade.”

Be on Alert
Livestock operations should reevaluate biosecurity protocols. If any of your farm’s employees travel to areas where there are infected animals, implement a quarantine period for entry back into your U.S. farm, she advises.

“Be vigilant,” Niederwerder urges. “One of the challenges of FMD is that it does cause these characteristic lesions of vesicles or blisters on the mouth, nose or the hoof. What becomes very tricky is that those clinical signs are indistinguishable from other vesicular diseases such as Senecavirus A. If producers and veterinarians see these lesions, they must report it immediately so it can be investigated and confirmed that it is not FMD virus.”

FMD is not just a disease of pigs and cattle, she points out. Sheep, goats and cloven-hoofed zoo animals may also be impacted by FMD. This increases the breadth of what the industry needs to monitor.

“The world is very small now,” Niederwerder says. “Not only do people travel more internationally, but animals move around more than ever, too. It’s extremely important for those of us that are producers to keep our eyes open and pay attention to what’s going on worldwide so we can be as prepared as possible for any change in disease risk.”

That’s one of the ways that SHIC is trying to help producers. SHIC provides timely domestic and global disease updates to producers.

“Watching the SHIC global disease report is really important for producers,” Determan says. “It comes out every month and really gives you a feel for what’s happening in the entire world from a swine health standpoint. The biggest lesson we learned from the 2001 FMD outbreak is that looking farther out than just our own farm gate is so important.”

Keep Reading:
An Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O in Germany

Hungary Confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cattle

Slovakia Records First Foot-and-Mouth Cases, Minister Says

Trump Administration Shifts Strategy on Avian Flu

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:05:00 GMT

The Trump administration is rolling out a new strategy to combat avian flu, moving away from mass culling of infected flocks. Spearheaded by National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, the plan prioritizes enhanced biosecurity measures and medication to control the spread of the virus.

Key Points of the New Strategy

Biosecurity and Medication: Improved containment protocols and medication aim to reduce reliance on widespread culling.
Smart Perimeter Approach: Targeted containment methods will enhance efficiency in preventing outbreaks.
Collaboration: Government scientists and global academic experts are contributing to the plan’s development.

Recent Developments

Vaccine Approval: Zoetis received conditional USDA approval for an avian flu vaccine.
Industry Support: Major poultry and dairy organizations back vaccine use to control the virus.

Concerns and Challenges

Trade Impact: The National Chicken Council warns that vaccinating flocks could hinder poultry exports.
Efficacy of Previous Measures: Critics argue that the Biden administration’s mass culling approach was costly and ineffective.
Ongoing Outbreak: The flu has affected over 150 million birds since 2022, driving up egg prices and causing supply shortages.

Future Outlook

The plan’s success hinges on industry adoption and global trade acceptance. Balancing effective disease control with maintaining poultry exports remains a critical challenge for the administration.

NEC-Led Task Force on HPAI/Egg Prices to Confront Hurdles, Challenges

Hassett is working with industry experts and government analysts and officials, including those at USDA. Secretary Rollins late Thursday heard from various experts on the topic.

The emergence and spread of new avian influenza variants have significantly impacted egg prices, poultry production, and resulted in public health concerns, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptive strategies from both the industry and government agencies. Some of the issues:

Background

Bird flu was present during the first Trump administration (2017-2021). Several notable events related to avian influenza occurred during this period:

Outbreaks in 2017

In March 2017, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N9 virus was detected in two commercial chicken breeder flocks in the United States.
This North American lineage HPAI H7N9 virus was genetically unrelated to the Asian lineage HPAI H7N9 viruses reported in China.

Policy Continuation

A USDA bird flu response plan, updated in May 2017 during Trump’s first administration, incorporated policy guidance based on lessons from influenza outbreaks during the Obama and first Trump administrations. The plan stated that “rapid depopulation of infected poultry is critical to halt virus transmission and must be prioritized.”

Depopulation Strategy

During a March 2017 bird flu outbreak, a USDA report indicated that “nearly 253,000 birds were depopulated.”
This depopulation strategy was a continuation of long-standing practices to prevent bird flu from spreading, as confirmed by agriculture experts.

While bird flu was present during Trump’s first term, the current widespread outbreak affecting cattle and causing human infections began in 2022, after Trump left office. The ongoing situation presents new challenges for the incoming Trump administration in 2025.

The Biden administration faced significant bird flu outbreaks during its tenure, with the H5N1 virus causing widespread impacts across the United States. Here’s an overview of the outbreaks and the actions taken:

Outbreaks

The current H5N1 outbreak began in 2022 and intensified throughout the Biden administration.
By early 2025, the virus had affected over 130 million birds, including both wild and domestic populations.
The outbreak expanded to dairy cattle, with 925 dairy herds across 16 states infected by October 2024.
Human cases were reported, with 67 confirmed cases and one fatality in the U.S. by early 2025.

Actions Taken

The Biden administration and then USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack implemented several measures to address the outbreak:

Funding and Resource Allocation

By January 2025, the administration had spent approximately $1.8 billion battling bird flu since the spring of 2023.
An additional $306 million was allocated in early 2025 for various response efforts.
In May 2024, nearly $200 million was provided to contain the outbreak, with $98 million for dairy farms and $101 million split between the FDA and CDC.

Testing and Surveillance

USDA implemented a Federal Order in May 2024 requiring testing of cattle before interstate movement.
In December 2024, a new mandate was announced to test the national milk supply for bird flu.
Enhanced testing and monitoring strategies were planned to better assess the presence of H5N1.

Biosecurity Measures

Vilsack emphasized the importance of improved biosecurity as a key strategy to limit the spread of H5N1.
USDA announced assistance for producers with H5N1-affected premises to improve on-site biosecurity.

Interagency Cooperation

USDA worked closely with the FDA on lab testing and with the CDC on public health matters.
A response team including four HHS agencies (CDC, FDA, NIH, and ASPR) was established to work with USDA. (ASPR is the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.)

Public Health Initiatives

Funds were allocated to enhance hospital readiness and conduct research on therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines.
Local jurisdictions received funding to increase monitoring of high-risk populations, such as livestock workers.

Bottom Line: The above actions demonstrate the Biden administration’s multifaceted approach to addressing the H5N1 outbreak, focusing on containment, research, and protection of both animal and human health. However, despite these efforts, the outbreak expanded to dairy cattle, with 925 dairy herds across 16 states infected by October 2024. Human cases continued to occur, with 67 confirmed cases and one fatality by early 2025. Critics argued that the Biden administration’s response was not swift or comprehensive enough.

Vaccines

They are seen as impractical but could be used in targeted areas. Most available vaccines for avian influenza in chickens are administered through injection. This method, while effective, can be time-consuming and stressful for the birds, especially in large-scale poultry operations.

Currently, there are limited options for vaccinating chickens against bird flu via feed or water, but research is ongoing to develop more convenient methods of vaccine administration

New Variants

The disease is a moving target. USDA under then Secretary Tom Vilsack conditionally approved a vaccine made by Zoetis, containing a killed version of an H5N2 variant designed to work against circulating H5N1 variants. However, the effectiveness of vaccines may be compromised as new variants emerge, potentially requiring frequent updates.

Vilsack, during his tenure as USDA Secretary, took several steps regarding HPAI vaccines, but the situation has evolved over time:

Vaccine approval and funding. In 2016, Zoetis received a conditional license for its H5N1 vaccine and a contract award for the USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile. This vaccine was approved under Vilsack’s leadership, as he served as USDA Secretary from 2009 to 2017, and then again from 2021 until Jan. 2025.
Vaccine fate. The Zoetis H5N1 vaccine approved in 2016 remained in the National Veterinary Stockpile until 2021 but was never used. This suggests that the vaccine was eventually discarded or removed from the stockpile without being deployed.
In August 2024, Vilsack authorized the first field trial of an H5N1 vaccine for cattle.

Of note: As of February 2025, Zoetis received a conditional license from USDA for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus, for use in chickens.

USDA has allocated significant funding for HPAI response:

In May 2024, Vilsack approved the transfer of $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for HPAI response efforts. This was in addition to a previous approval of $1.3 billion in emergency funds to tackle nationwide HPAI detections.
Former USDA Secretary Vilsack revealed that USDA was accelerating vaccine production for bovines, with seven potential vaccine candidates in development.

While not yet widely available, some alternative methods for vaccinating chickens against bird flu are being explored:

Spray vaccination: Some researchers have evaluated immune responses in chickens vaccinated via coarse spray with adenovirus-vectored avian influenza vaccines. This method shows promise for mass immunization of poultry, potentially eliciting both systemic and mucosal immune responses.
Drinking Water: As of now, there are no available vaccines that can be delivered through drinking water for avian influenza. However, this route of administration is being researched as a potential method for mass vaccination.
Aerosol/Spray: Only one vaccine is currently available for aerosol/spray administration. This method could potentially allow for easier mass vaccination of poultry flocks.

Challenges

The development of vaccines suitable for mass application methods outside hatcheries, such as via drinking water or spray/aerosolization, is still in progress. These methods would greatly simplify the vaccination process for large-scale poultry operations. Researchers are working on various approaches to make vaccination more practical:

Vectored vaccines: Some vaccines use viral vectors, like adenoviruses, to deliver avian influenza antigens. These may be more amenable to alternative administration routes.
Mucosal immunity: Spray and aerosol methods are being explored to target mucosal immune responses, which could provide better protection against respiratory infections like avian influenza.

Of note: While progress is being made, as of now, most approved and effective vaccines for avian influenza in chickens still require injection. The development of feed- or water-based vaccines remains an active area of research in the poultry industry.

Another Issue:

Changing variants of avian influenza significantly impact the egg price situation and overall poultry industry. Here’s how:

Emergence of New Genotypes. A new genotype of avian influenza, D1.1, emerged in wild migratory birds in September 2024 and subsequently spread to domestic poultry. This new variant has had severe consequences:

Increased spread across North America’s four migratory waterfowl flyways.
Spillover into poultry, humans, and even cows.
Caused a severe flu case in British Columbia and a death in Louisiana.
Scientists announced they found D1.1 in infected dairy cattle in Nevada for the first time. A dairy farm worker tested positive for H5N1, the state’s first reported human case.
Some scientists fear the D1.1 variant carries a new mutation that helps the virus copy itself more easily onto the cells of mammals, including humans.
Some scientists suspect a new strain is spreading via dust from bird droppings, carried by the wind.

Impact on Poultry and Egg Production.

The emergence of new variants has led to:

More than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. died in the last quarter due to the bird flu outbreak. This figure includes both chickens that died from the virus and those that were culled to prevent further spread of the infection. This recent toll represents the most severe impact on America’s egg supply since the outbreak began in 2022.
Reduction in the conventional egg-laying flock by 3.7% in January 2025 alone.
Significant drop in egg production, falling to 9.1 billion dozen in 2022 from 9.4 billion dozen in 2019.
The losses have affected all major production systems, including conventional caged, cage-free, and certified organic types (with some major differences as noted below).
Egg prices have soared to their highest levels in years, largely driven by the virus (details below).
The U.S. egg industry now has 8% fewer egg-laying hens than it did three years ago.
The federal government has allocated substantial funds to compensate farmers, with USDA spending $1.25 billion on payments to farmers since the outbreak started in 2022.
New bird flu outbreaks have also struck major egg-laying operations in Indiana and Georgia, leading to heists of the precious commodity and the sight of empty supermarket shelves where cartons of eggs should be.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently ordered all live-bird markets in New York City and some surrounding areas to shut down for a week to stem the spread of the virus. Three ducks at the Queens Zoo died of bird flu and as many as 12 birds at the Bronx Zoo that died after possible exposure are being tested for the virus.

The bird flu outbreak has significantly impacted the availability of organic and cage-free eggs, though in some unexpected ways:

Impact on Organic Egg Production

Less affected: Organic egg production has been less impacted by the bird flu outbreak compared to conventional egg production.
Smaller flocks: Organic egg-laying hens typically live in smaller flocks with more spacious conditions, which may contribute to their lower infection rates.
Price stability: Organic egg prices have been relatively more stable due to different pricing practices, with producers often setting long-term strategic prices with retailers.

Cage-Free Egg Availability

Disproportionate impact: Despite representing only about a third of U.S. egg layers, cage-free hens contributed to nearly 60% of all bird flu cases in 2024.
Supply challenges: The disproportionate impact on cage-free flocks has led to significant supply issues, especially in states with cage-free egg laws.
Recovery difficulties: Rebuilding cage-free flocks can be more challenging due to fewer sources and stricter regulations in some states.

Market Dynamics

Pricing anomalies: In some areas, like New York City, organic and cage-free eggs have been priced lower than conventional eggs due to existing contracts.
Potential price increases: As contracts expire, prices for organic and cage-free eggs may increase significantly.
State regulations: Nine states, including California and Colorado, have laws requiring eggs to be from cage-free hens, further complicating supply issues.

Other Issues:

Cage-free transition: About 40% of U.S. commercial egg layers are now in cage-free systems, up from just 30 million in 2015.
Supply/demand imbalance: The growth in cage-free egg demand has outpaced supply, exacerbated by bird flu outbreaks.
Bottom line: While organic eggs have been somewhat less affected by the bird flu outbreak, cage-free egg production has faced significant challenges. This has led to complex market dynamics, including unexpected pricing patterns and potential future shortages, particularly in states with cage-free egg laws.

Economic and Trade Implications.

Changing variants can affect international trade and economic stability:

The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) restricts international trade in live birds and poultry meat.
New variants may lead to more stringent trade restrictions, further impacting national economies.

Human Health Concerns

As the virus evolves, there are increasing concerns about human health:

The D1.1 genotype has infected humans, with 68 confirmed cases and one fatality in the United States.
Experts worry that as the virus replicates, the chance of a mutation allowing human-to-human transmission increases.

Egg Prices

Egg prices in the United States have reached unprecedented levels, with the average cost of a dozen Grade A eggs hitting a record high of $4.95 in January 2025, but prices in individual states and stores can be much higher or lower. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with prices nearly doubling since 2024. The surge in egg prices has been particularly dramatic, with a 15% increase from December 2024 to January 2025 alone.

Several factors have contributed to the soaring egg prices:

Avian influenza outbreak: The primary driver of the price increase is an ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that began in 2022. This outbreak has led to the culling of millions of chickens, significantly reducing the egg-laying population.
Supply chain disruptions: The bird flu epidemic has caused severe disruptions in the egg supply chain, with the population of conventionally caged chickens reduced by 8%.
Supply/demand imbalance: Consumer demand for eggs has remained steady despite the price increases, contributing to the supply-demand imbalance.
Shift in consumer preferences: There has been a growing preference for specialty eggs, such as cage-free and organic varieties, which are typically more expensive.
State Regulations: Some states, like California, have implemented stricter regulations requiring eggs to be sold from cage-free hens, further impacting prices.

Impact on consumers and businesses. The egg price surge has had widespread effects:

Grocery store limitations: Some grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s and Kroger, have placed limits on the number of eggs customers can purchase.
Restaurant surcharges: Restaurants like Waffle House have implemented per-egg surcharges to offset the increased costs.
Regional price variations: Prices vary significantly by region, with some areas seeing even higher costs. For example, in California, a carton of two dozen eggs can cost $13.49.

Egg Price Outlook

USDA predicts that egg prices could rise by up to 20% in 2025. The duration of high prices remains uncertain, as it depends on controlling the spread of avian flu and replenishing the egg-laying chicken population.

Experts suggest it may take at least another three to six months before prices begin to moderate. But some analysts say if a way can be found to deal with HPAI, egg prices would tumble. As consumers grapple with these high prices, some are adapting by reducing egg consumption or seeking alternatives. The situation continues to evolve, with both political and economic implications as the country faces this ongoing challenge in the food supply chain.

Does the U.S. import and export eggs? Yes.

Total egg exports from the U.S. in 2024 amounted to 172.8 million dozen eggs. This figure includes both table eggs and egg products (converted to shell egg equivalent). Breaking this down further:

Table egg exports: 84.3 million dozen
Egg product exports: 24,834 metric tons
The total value of egg exports in 2024 was $314.2 million, an increase of 5.9% compared to 2023.
In 2023, the U.S. exported $144.9 million worth of eggs, making it the 6th largest exporter globally. The U.S. maintains a positive trade balance in eggs, with exports exceeding imports by $139.6 million in 2023.

Imports

In 2023, the U.S. imported $110.15 million worth of eggs, primarily from Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. generally is a net exporter of eggs, with exports significantly outweighing imports.

The top egg-exporting countries globally in 2023 were:

Netherlands: $610.1 million (20.5% of global egg exports)
Poland: $463.4 million (15.6%)
Turkey: $224.5 million (7.5%)
Mainland China: $222.8 million (7.5%)
Germany: $181.5 million (6.1%)

The import of eggs into the U.S. is subject to strict regulations, including requirements for USDA import permits, veterinary health certificates, port inspections, and import quarantines. These measures ensure the safety and quality of imported eggs entering the U.S. market.

The U.S. gov’t has several potential options to address the rising egg prices:

Regulatory Actions

Investigate price gouging: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could investigate potential antitrust violations or price gouging in the egg industry. Some lawmakers have urged the FTC to probe egg producers for potentially coordinating efforts to restrict supply and sustain inflated prices.
Ease FDA regulations: The National Chicken Council (NCC) has petitioned the FDA to modify policies that force the broiler industry to destroy safe, nutritious eggs. Relaxing these regulations could increase egg supply and potentially lower prices. The issue stems from a 2009 FDA rule known as the Shell Egg Rule, which requires all shell eggs to be refrigerated at or below 45°F within 36 hours of being laid. This rule, intended for table eggs, inadvertently affects surplus broiler hatching eggs. Broiler eggs intended for hatching must be stored at 65°F for up to five days before determining which eggs are needed for hatching. This process is incompatible with the FDA’s refrigeration requirements, forcing the broiler industry to discard surplus eggs instead of sending them to egg breakers for processing into liquid egg products.

The NCC has requested FDA to: Exercise enforcement discretion to allow surplus broiler eggs to be processed into egg products under USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) jurisdiction; Exempt surplus broiler hatching eggs intended for breaking from the refrigeration requirements in the Shell Egg Rule. NCC argues that the current policy results in significant waste, costing the broiler industry over $27 million annually. Allowing these eggs to be used would help alleviate egg shortages and high prices, especially during events like the recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. The eggs would be safe for consumption as they would be pasteurized during processing, which is effective in controlling Salmonella.

As of February 2025, FDA has not yet granted the NCC’s request. The FDA denied a similar request on June 12, 2023, stating that the proposed action would not maintain the same level of public health protection as the current egg safety rule.

Policy Interventions

Address avian flu outbreak: The government could allocate more resources to combat the ongoing bird flu crisis, which has significantly impacted poultry populations and egg production since 2022.
Implement price controls: While controversial and unlikely under the Trump administration, the government could consider temporary price controls on eggs to limit further increases.
Increase imports: Easing restrictions on egg imports could help supplement domestic supply and potentially lower prices.

Economic Measures

Provide subsidies: The government could offer subsidies (incentives) to egg producers to offset increased production costs and encourage greater supply.
Offer consumer relief: Implementing targeted financial assistance or tax credits for low-income families could help offset the impact of high egg prices.

USDA has several potential measures to stabilize egg prices:

Enhance biosecurity: Promote and enforce stricter biosecurity measures across poultry farms to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Increase surveillance: Improve monitoring and early detection of HPAI outbreaks to minimize their impact on egg production.
Investigate price gouging: Collaborate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to scrutinize potential anti-competitive practices in the egg industry.
Enhance price discovery: Implement new regulations to improve fairness and transparency in pricing mechanisms for poultry farmers.
Promote competition: Support smaller egg producers and encourage market diversification to reduce reliance on large conglomerates.
Expedite flock replacement: Facilitate faster repopulation of laying hen flocks after HPAI outbreaks.
Address labor shortages: Develop programs to alleviate workforce issues in the egg industry that hamper production.
Ease import restrictions: Consider temporary measures to increase egg imports and supplement domestic supply.
Implement purchase limits: Encourage retailers to set temporary limits on egg purchases to prevent panic buying and ensure fair distribution.
Monitor retail practices: Scrutinize grocery stores’ pricing strategies and promotional activities to prevent unjustified price hikes.
Invest in research: Fund studies on HPAI-resistant poultry breeds and alternative production methods to increase resilience in the egg industry.
Improve forecasting: Enhance data collection and analysis to better predict and prepare for future supply chain disruptions.

Challenges and Limitations

Government intervention in markets can have unintended consequences. Additionally, some factors contributing to high egg prices, such as inflation and increased production costs, may be beyond the government’s immediate control.

President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to lower food prices, is facing pressure from lawmakers to act. However, no specific plan has been announced to address the egg price crisis, but NEC Director Kevin Hassett has signaled that a plan is coming, which was released on Sunday.

Second Bird Flu Strain Found in U.S. Dairy Cattle, USDA says

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:37:24 GMT

U.S. dairy cattle tested positive for a strain of bird flu that previously had not been seen in cows, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday, ramping up concerns about the persistent spread of the virus.

The H5N1 virus has reduced milk output in cattle, pushed up egg prices by wiping out millions of hens, and infected nearly 70 people since April as it has spread across the country.

Genome sequencing of milk from Nevada identified the different strain, known as the D1.1 genotype, in dairy cows for the first time, the USDA said. Previously, all 957 bird flu infections among dairy herds reported since last March had been caused by another strain, the B3.13 genotype, according to the agency.

Reuters reported news of the detection of the second strain on Wednesday ahead of USDA’s announcement.

The second strain was the predominant genotype among wild birds this past fall and winter and has also been found in poultry, the USDA said. It was identified in dairy cattle through an agency program that began testing milk for bird flu in December.

“We’re seeing the H5N1 virus itself be smarter than all of us,” said Beth Thompson, South Dakota’s state veterinarian.

“It’s modifying itself so it’s not just staying in the poultry and the wild waterfowl. It’s picking up a home in the mammals.”

Wild birds likely transmitted the second strain to cattle in Nevada, said J.J. Goicoechea, Nevada’s agriculture director. Farmers need to ramp up safety and security measures to protect their animals, he said.

“We obviously aren’t doing everything we can and everything we should or the virus wouldn’t be getting in,” he said.

“We didn’t get a hold on it before,” Hansen said. “We want to avoid that same scenario from happening in Nevada.”

Dairy herds that were formerly infected may be at risk again from the second strain, experts said.

“Now it looks like we have new strains of virus that may escape some of the immunity associated with the other strains of viruses that could exacerbate the epidemics among animals and wildlife,” said Gregory Gray, a University of Texas Medical Branch professor studying cattle diseases. “It’s alarming.”

Your Next Read: Beef-on-Dairy: A Critical Solution to the Shrinking U.S. Cattle Herd

USDA Reports First H5N1 Detection in Swine

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:36:09 GMT

USDA announced on Oct. 30 the first reported case of H5N1 in a pig in an Oregon backyard farm. It’s important to note there is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding, USDA said. This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply.

“The confirmed case in Oregon poses no threat to consumer health or food safety; properly handled and cooked pork products remain safe for consumption,” Bryan Humphreys, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) CEO said in a statement. “The entire pork industry remains committed to safeguarding food safety and human and animal health.”

The case was discovered on a backyard farm that includes a mix of poultry and livestock, including swine. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced on Friday, Oct. 25, that poultry on this farm represented the first H5N1 detection in Crook County, Oregon. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories also confirmed one of the farm’s five pigs to be infected with H5N1, marking the first detection of H5N1 in swine in the U.S., USDA reports.  

“The livestock and poultry on this farm shared water sources, housing, and equipment; in other states, this combination has enabled transmission between species. Although the swine did not display signs of illness, the Oregon Department of Health and USDA tested the five swine for H5N1 out of an abundance of caution and because of the presence of H5N1 in other animals on the premises,” USDA wrote.

The swine were euthanized to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis. Although test results were negative for two of the pigs, and test results are still pending for two others.  
The farm has been quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. Other animals on the farm include sheep and goats that remain under surveillance.  

“USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has conducted genomic sequencing of virus from the poultry infected on this farm, and that sequencing has not identified any changes to the H5N1 virus that would suggest to USDA and CDC that it is more transmissible to humans, indicating that the current risk to the public remains low,” USDA wrote.

H5N1 detections include viral genome sequencing to provide additional information of interest to medical professionals and the research community to improve understanding of the virus. Genetic sequencing for these samples is underway, but results may be inconclusive due to low viral levels in the samples, USDA said.   

Pork Producers Practice Biosecurity to Protect Pigs
Biosecurity is critical to eradicating H5N1 and other viruses. Not only does biosecurity protect the health of livestock, but it also protects the health of farmworkers and their families. For more information on protecting farmworkers, visit the CDC’s website .
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10 Powerful Take Homes to Enhance Biosecurity on Your Pig Farm
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The pork industry has worked alongside USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) since 2009 to carry out the swine influenza surveillance program to identify influenza viruses circulating in swine, proactively detect reassortment viruses that could impact public health, and gain knowledge to contribute to improved animal health diagnostics and vaccines, NPPC pointed out in a statement.

“Pork producers have always been proactive and diligent about implementing biosecurity plans as part of their daily production practices to assure animals wellbeing and food safety,” Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and Minnesota pork producer said. “This detection serves as a reminder for producers of all sizes to understand and address influenza virus risks.”

What’s Next?
USDA recently approved two vaccine field safety trials for vaccine candidates designed to protect dairy cows from H5N1, and continues to explore vaccine options for other species.   As USDA takes additional steps to protect the health of livestock, it will continue to work closely with CDC to protect the health of people and FDA to protect the safety of the food supply.

“These collective, collaborative efforts have helped protect farmworkers and farmers, the health and welfare of livestock animals, and reaffirmed the safety of the nation’s food supply. The U.S. government remains committed to addressing this situation with urgency,” USDA said.

Learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle.

The situation is being monitored by local public health officials, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Veterinarian, Oregon Department of Agriculture, as well as USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   

Read More:
Get the Facts Straight on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Animal Health Experts Open Up About Future Disease Preparedness
How the Swine Industry Responded to H5N1 Outbreak in Dairy Cattle
A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1

Get the Facts Straight on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:12:13 GMT

Updated as of 4.10.24

Now that the mystery illness impacting dairy herds in multiple states has been revealed as the same strain of influenza virus [Influenza A (H5N1)] that has been impacting the U.S. poultry flock, pork producers are asking a lot of questions. Is this strain transmittable to pigs? Should livestock producers with cattle and pigs be concerned about cross-species transmission?

Those are all important questions, but understanding influenza is the best place to start, says National Pork Board chief veterinarian Dusty Oedekoven.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is influenza. HPAI is an official term defined by the severity of the mortality rate in poultry,” he explains.

Within strains of influenza A, the naming convention goes by two proteins on the outer surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H type) and neuraminidase (N type). Typically, HPAI is of the H5 or H7 types, but there are many other possibilities as there are 18 hemagglutinin types and 11 neuraminidase types, he explains.

“Not all of those occur in poultry, not all of those occur in pigs, and not all of those occur in humans,” Oedekoven clarifies. “But the term highly pathogenic applies to poultry.”

He believes the reason it’s making headlines as HPAI is because it’s the same strain, H5N1, or similar strain that has been found recently in poultry where they have designated it as HPAI.

“Maybe that’s a narrow thing to tease apart,” he points out. “But in my mind, I hope we can separate that a little bit. This is influenza A virus.”

Influenza A viruses affect many warm-blooded animals, including birds and mammals. That’s nothing new, Oedekoven says. Influenza A viruses have been identified in cattle in the past, as well as swine and birds.

“If we think about influenza in domesticated species and humans, we are typically looking at the cycle between humans and pigs,” he says. “Pigs become amplifying hosts of influenza A viruses and the mixing vessel for different types of viruses, as are birds. Birds can get multiple viruses and those viruses mutate within the bird, and new strains evolve. That’s how we have new strains of the virus that emerge and become different strains.”

And that’s why receiving the annual flu vaccine is so important, he adds.

“It’s likely the vaccines we got last year were designed for a different strain than what we’re looking at this year because the virus reassorted and it’s slightly different. Scientists predicting which strain we might be dealing with for the vaccine are right sometimes, and sometimes they miss the mark a little and you may see more influenza in a given year,” he says.

Fact #1: The threat of influenza virus infection in people and pigs is ever present.

Oedekoven says he has not heard of the H5N1 strain being identified in pigs at this time.

“We know pigs are susceptible to influenza A viruses, and swine influe-nza is not uncommon in the U.S. We see outbreaks of routine swine influe-nza fairly frequently,” he says. “We don’t know if there’s any special higher risk of disease or illness or mortality for pigs due to this virus strain than any other swine influenza strain we have.”

The key is diligent observation. If producers see signs of illness in their pigs, Oedekoven urges them to contact their veterinarians.

On the same hand, if they see signs of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms in people, seek advice from healthcare providers.

Influenza A viruses are common in people, just like they are pigs. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and reassorting.

“The threat of influenza virus infection in people and pigs is ever present. It’s why healthcare providers recommend people get annual influenza vaccines to prevent against new strains of the virus that are emerging all the time,” he says.

This doesn’t represent an elevated threat, Oedekoven adds.

“It’s recognition of a threat we know is there,” he says. “Influenza viruses exist and circulate in people all the time.”

Good sanitation and hygiene are important. If employers have workers who are ill with influenza signs, don’t let them come to work because they could potentially spread that disease to the pigs, which could cause more spread to other humans.

Fact #2: There’s no evidence to support a higher risk of influenza infection from cattle to pigs than exists otherwise.

“We’re not even sure yet to what extent this strain of influenza may be transmitted from cattle,” he says.

USDA reports bovine influenza A virus (originally referred to as HPAI in many reports) in dairy cattle was first identified in samples that included unpasteurized milk from one dairy farm in Texas and two in Kansas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another dairy in Texas. The virus was first confirmed in one Texas herd on March 21 by Iowa State University’s diagnostic lab that was helping Texas labs process samples more quickly. Affected farms also reported finding deceased wild birds on their properties.

“Most waterfowl and wild bird species can carry influenza viruses, but usually they don’t die from it. They are good carriers of it and can become infected and produce high levels of the virus and spread it. It’s always a good biosecurity practice to keep birds away from your pigs,” he says.

Remain Vigilant
Megan Niederwerder, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), encourages producers to keep close tabs on biosecurity protocols to reduce risk of pathogen exposure from wildlife.

“As part of the Swine Health Information Center’s Standardized Outbreak Investigation Form, there are several hazards associated with wild birds that can be proactively considered to enhance biosecurity,” Niederwerder explains.

Examples include surface water, wild bird access to inside swine barns, equipment stored outside, compost piles, mortality disposal boxes, open feed bags, open feed bin covers and feed spillage fed to pigs, she says.

“It is important to clean and disinfect tools and equipment with potential exposure to wildlife prior to utilizing inside facilities housing pigs,” Niederwerder says.     

Prompt investigation is key, Oedekoven says. This helps veterinarians and producers handle disease challenges better. USDA notes additional testing is underway, including genome sequencing, to characterize the strain(s) associated with the detections.

Spread the Word

Pork producers play an important role in disseminating truth, Oedekoven says. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza has not been shown to spread through eating properly handled pork.

“You can’t get influenza from eating or handling pork,” Oedekoven emphasized. “There’s not a risk of acquiring influenza that way. The way that it is transmitted is through aerosolization and direct contact between infected animals, including humans.”

Read More:

Piecing the Puzzle Together: Diagnostic Monitoring and Flu Prevention

Veterinarians Answer Questions on Influenza

BREAKING: Mystery Illness Impacting Texas, Kansas Dairy Cattle is Confirmed as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strain

Meat Institute: Properly Prepared Beef is Safe to Eat; HPAI is not a Food Safety Threat

HPAI Now Detected on Ohio Dairy: Strange Bird Flu Concerns See Growth

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:03:23 GMT

Ohio has become the sixth state where dairy cattle have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. A recent news release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) reports presumptive positive results from dairy cows in Wood County.

According to officials, the cows arrived in Wood County on March 8 from a dairy in Texas. That dairy later reported a confirmed case of HPAI. The Ohio dairy operation alerted state officials when the livestock began showing signs of illness. State officials are awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We have official confirmation that we do have a case at a dairy in Wood County of HPAI, which is an influenza,” says ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We’ve been working with this in the poultry industry for about the last two-and-a-half years and it has found its way into the dairy industry. We are working diligently with the dairy, with their vets and with our Animal Health division and our state veterinarian, Dr. (Dennis) Summers, on this issue.

According to the USDA, HPAI has now been detected in five other states, including:

Texas
Kansas
New Mexico,
Idaho
Michigan

“Clinically sick dairy cattle from affected herds range from 1% to 20%, with an average of 10% of the milking herd affected. There are no confirmed reports of death loss in dairy cattle directly attributed to these detections. Most sick cows begin recovering within a few days.”

“Federal and state agencies continue to conduct additional testing from sick animals and in unpasteurized clinical milk samples from sick animals, as well as viral genome sequencing, to assess whether HPAI or another unrelated illness may be underlying any symptoms,” the ODA reports.

The agency notes that clinically sick dairy cattle from affected herds range from 1% to 20%, with an average of 10% of the milking herd affected. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of death loss in dairy cattle directly attributed to these detections with most sick cows recovering within a few days.

HPAI symptoms in dairy cattle include:

Sudden drop in milk production.
Some severely impacted cows are producing thicker, more concentrated, colostrum-like milk.
Drop in feed consumption with a simultaneous drop in rumen function, accompanied by loose feces and some fever.
Impacted herds have reported older cows in mid-lactation may be more likely to be severely impacted than younger cows, fresh cows or heifers.
Some herds have reported pneumonia and mastitis.

Officials are strongly advising dairy producers to use all standard biosecurity measures. They note it’s important for producers to clean and disinfect all livestock watering devices and isolate drinking water where it might be contaminated by waterfowl. Farmers are also being asked to notify their herd veterinarian if they suspect any cattle within their herd are displaying symptoms of this condition.

For more on HPAI, read:

Strange Bird Flu Outbreak, HPAI, Now Detected at Idaho Dairy

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:10:38 GMT

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced that HPAI, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, has been found in dairy cattle in Idaho. This now brings the number of affected states to four, adding more evidence the virus may be spreading cow to cow.

The cows were recently brought into the Cassia County dairy from another state that had found HPAI in dairy cattle, according to the ISDA.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that an investigation into mysterious illnesses in dairy cows in three states—Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas—was due to HPAI and that wild birds are the source of the virus.

Symptoms of HPAI in cattle include:

Drop in milk production
Loss of appetite
Changes in manure consistency
Thickened or colostrum-like milk
Low-grade fever

At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be consumed safely.

The ISDA encourages all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear to show symptoms. HPAI is a mandatory reportable disease, and any Idaho veterinarians who suspect cases of HPAI in livestock should immediately report it to ISDA at 208-332-8540 or complete the HPAI Livestock Screen at agri.idaho.gov/main/animals/hpai/ .

For more on HPAI, read:

Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Confirmed. Officials Believe it Began on Texas Dairy

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:07:46 GMT

Just a week after discovering that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, was the cause of illness for several dairy herds throughout the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico and Kansas , the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now reporting that a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has been confirmed in Texas. The case was identified in a person who had direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the disease.

The patient, who experienced eye inflammation as their only symptom, was tested for flu late last week with confirmatory testing performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend. Currently, the patient is being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir. The DSHS reports that the human case does not change the risk for the general public, which still remains low.

According to the CDC, this is the second human case of H5N1 flu in the U.S. and the first linked to an exposure to cattle. Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, eye redness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. The illness can range from mild to severe, and health care providers who come across someone who may have the virus should “immediately consult their local health department,” according to the alert.

“The risk to the general public is believed to be low; however, people with close contact with affected animals suspected of having avian influenza A(H5N1) have a higher risk of infection,” the alert said.

While the disease is new to the dairy industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says there is no safety concern to the commercial milk supply. Consumer health is also not at risk, the department said. The milk from impacted animals is being dumped or destroyed and will not enter the food supply.

“Milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply,” agencies said. “In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. FDA’s longstanding position is that unpasteurized, raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to consumers, and FDA is reminding consumers of the risks associated with raw milk consumption in light of the HPAI detections.”

The virus was detected in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas last week and has since spread to additional herds in at least five states, all of which include:

Texas
Kansas
New Mexico
Idaho
Michigan

This leads some scientists to believe that the virus may be spreading cow-to-cow.

Texas officials are guiding affected dairies about how to minimize workers’ exposure and how people who work with affected cattle can monitor for flu-like symptoms and get tested.

In addition, officials are strongly advising dairy producers to use all standard biosecurity measures. They note it’s important for producers to clean and disinfect all livestock watering devices and isolate drinking water where it might be contaminated by waterfowl. Farmers are also being asked to notify their herd veterinarian if they suspect any cattle within their herd are displaying symptoms of this condition.

“Unlike affected poultry, I foresee there will be no need to depopulate dairy herds,” says Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “Cattle are expected to fully recover. The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to providing unwavering support to our dairy industry.”

For more n HPAI, read:

Minnesota Goat Confirmed to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:21:58 GMT

A juvenile goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). While HPAI has been detected in predatory mammals that prey on infected birds, this is the first identified case of HPAI in domestic livestock in the U.S. The goat lived on the same premises where a poultry flock tested positive for HPAI in late February. The goat shared the same pasture and sole water source as the poultry flock.

HPAI is a known disease of wild and domestic poultry and waterfowl. There is limited information available about HPAI infection in ruminants, though in some species, animals with immature or compromised immune systems appear to be at greater risk of infection. Only young goats were afflicted in the Minnesota case, not mature goats. This case is being investigated by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“As we aim to protect livestock for our North Dakota producers, the risk of transmission increases during spring,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist.

“While we don’t envision this zoonotic transmission to be commonplace, good biosecurity protocols separating livestock from poultry/waterfowl is a good production practice to reduce the potential spread of HPAI to our small ruminants during the spring migration of wild birds,” says Travis Hoffman, NDSU Extension sheep specialist.

“H5N1 HPAI has been detected in wild birds throughout all U.S. migratory flyways , says Dr. Gerald Stokka, NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. “Wild birds can be infected without showing symptoms of the infection. While waterfowl are the primary carriers, positive cases are being documented in predatory birds and mammals, and now domestic goats.”

NDSU Extension experts support the biosecurity practices released by University of Minnesota Extension that can reduce the potential for domestic animals to contract HPAI. Recommended practices include:

Do not allow poultry and livestock species access to ponds, wetlands and other stagnant water sources that are frequented by wild waterfowl such as ducks, geese or swans.
Watch poultry and livestock for signs of illness, including reduced appetite, fever, inability to stand, depression, nasal discharge, diarrhea, coughing and change in behavior.
Consider housing poultry separately from other livestock species and minimize poultry access to pasture areas that are grazed by other livestock species.
Do not allow poultry, waterfowl and wildlife to share water sources and feedstuffs with other livestock species.

Protocols for protecting livestock include:

In the Minnesota goat case, infected goats shared the same water source as infected poultry. Limiting livestock exposure to potentially inflicted-HPAI poultry is the first action of defense.
Current influenza vaccines used in horses are not effective against HPAI. Always consult your veterinarian before administering vaccinations.
Many cattle are vaccinated against Parainfluenza-3 (PI-3), a virus that can cause respiratory issues. Parainfluenza viruses are in a different family from influenza viruses and the PI-3 vaccine does not provide protection against influenza.
If you have an unexplained death in one of your animals, consult with your farm veterinarian, contact the North Dakota Board of Animal Health .

“There is no evidence that anyone has contracted the virus from eating a fully cooked bird, either domestic or wild,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor of health, nutrition and exercise sciences. “It is always a safe practice to fully cook wild game to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of whether there is a threat of HPAI.”

NDSU Extension HPAI resources are available at ndsu.ag/hpai . UMN Extension HPAI resources are available at z.umn.edu/HPAIgoat .

Avian influenza surveillance and testing in wild birds is being done by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish. To learn more about HPAI cases in birds and mammals, please visit the USDA’s APHIS website . Report sick and dead wildlife at https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/mortality-report . Direct wild bird avian influenza questions to 701-204-2161.

First Human Case of Avian Flu in the U.S. Confirmed in Colorado

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:30:36 GMT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that a person in Colorado has tested positive for avian influenza.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said the man is mostly asymptomatic, reporting only fatigue. He is now isolating and taking the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) per CDC direction.

“This case occurred in a person who had direct exposure to poultry and was involved in the culling (depopulating) of poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu,” the CDC reported in a press release.

This is the first human case in the U.S. associated with this specific group of H5 viruses that are currently predominant.

The last major outbreak of H5N1 in 2015 the was the worst animal disease outbreak recorded in U.S. history, according to the USDA. Officials are concerned 2022 outbreaks could surpass that year.

Risk Of Infection Is Low

The CDC said it is possible the detection of H5 bird flu in this “specimen is a result of surface contamination of the nasal membrane, that can’t be determined at this point and the positive test result meets the criteria for an H5 case. The appropriate public health response at this time is to assume this is an infection and take actions to contain and treat.”

This case does not change the human risk assessment for the general public, which CDC considers to be low. However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds are at higher risk of infection should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance.

Monitoring Is Ongoing

CDC has been monitoring for illness among people exposed to H5N1 virus-infected birds since these outbreaks were detected in U.S. wild birds and poultry in late 2021 and into 2022.

To date, H5N1 viruses have been found in U.S. commercial and backyard birds in 29 states and in wild birds in 34 states. CDC has tracked the health of more than 2,500 people with exposures to H5N1 virus-infected birds and this is the only case that has been found to date. Other people involved in the culling operation in Colorado have tested negative for H5 virus infection, but they are being retested, CDC said.

More information is available at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0428-avian-flu.html