Several states have placed restrictions on cattle imports amid growing concerns about the spread of avian influenza to dairy cattle.
Maryland on Wednesday became one of at least 18 states to restrict interstate movement of dairy cows, as the virus extends beyond the Southwest and affects herds in multiple states.
“Maryland has a thriving dairy and cattle genetics industry,” said Kevin Atticus, the state’s agriculture secretary. stated in a statement. “This order serves as another layer of protection for Maryland farmers and agricultural partners.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has not yet issued a federal quarantine order, and the agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has not advised states to hold shipments of cattle.
“However, we strongly recommend that cattle movements be minimized to the extent possible by taking special care to assess risk and factoring that risk into movement decisions,” the Department of Agriculture said. Guidance published on April 2nd.
So far, the virus has broken out at more than 20 dairy farms in seven states, according to a tracker on the USDA website. It has recently been confirmed to be detected in livestock. first time in north carolina.
Import restrictions vary by state, but most states have quarantine measures in place in case of non-compliance. Under Maryland state regulations, importing dairy cows from states where avian influenza has been confirmed is prohibited, except under certain conditions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration say there is currently no risk to the U.S. milk supply because of pasteurization, which kills the virus. The risk of avian influenza spreading to the general population remains low. however, A farm worker recently tested positive. about the virus after coming into contact with infected cattle in Texas.
Major trading partners as avian influenza spreads Canada Mexico is closely monitoring how bird flu affects U.S. cattle. Symptoms in affected cows range from reduced milk production and fever to loss of appetite and thick milk.
As a precautionary measure, Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Measures have been taken to strengthen passive surveillance and enhance clinical testing of cattle from the United States.
States with dairy cow restrictions include Alabama, Arizona; arkansas California, Delaware, florida,Hawaii, idahoKentucky; louisiana, mississippiNebraska, north carolinaPennsylvania; tennessee, Utah and west virginia. , by American Veterinary Medical Associationupon.