Texas Agriculture Commissioner Provides Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detection in Texas and Kansas Dairy Herds

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided an update on the confirmed presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) found in diagnostic samples from dairy operations in Texas and Kansas. Diagnostic samples of unpasteurized milk from affected cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas were confirmed to be positive for HPAI on March 25. Another Texas dairy confirmed the presence of HPAI through an oropharyngeal swab test. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are closely monitoring the situation and its impact to Texas dairies.

“This outbreak has quickly grabbed the attention of the agriculture industry on a national level,” Miller said. “Understanding the details surrounding the transfer of avian virus to livestock is the top priority of animal health professionals and agriculture agencies. While troubling, this outbreak is not currently expected to threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply.”

The HPAI virus detections in Texas may have been introduced by wild birds. It is not confirmed if HPAI is the lone causative agent of reported bovine illness. National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) have not found alterations to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. The current risk to the public remains minimal. Further efforts to continue epidemiological investigations are underway to ensure a complete picture of the situation can be evaluated.

“Our producers in the Texas Panhandle have already endured enough,” said Miller. “The Texas Department of Agriculture will use every resource available to maintain the high standards of quality and safety that define Texas agriculture.”

Routine testing and well-established protocols for U.S. dairies will continue to ensure that only safe milk enters the food supply. In keeping with the federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), milk from sick cows must be collected separately and is not allowed to enter the food supply chain. This means affected dairy cows are segregated, as is normal practice with any animal health concern, and their milk does not enter the food supply.

The USDA, TAHC, TDA and other agencies continue to assess this situation to fully understand the role of HPAI in the affected cattle. At present, HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle. However, all producers are encouraged to implement enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to help protect their herds.

"This new confirmed infection of dairy cattle is an unprecedented development,” Miller said. “What we are doing now is working to get the facts straight. We anticipate more developments in the coming days. TDA and other state and national agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our food supply.”

Cattle impacted by HPAI exhibit flu-like symptoms like fever and thick and discolored milk accompanied by a sharp reduction in milk production. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TAHC, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) and dairy veterinarians, along with other partners, are working closely to evaluate symptoms among primarily older dairy cows in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. Symptoms may include decreased lactation, low appetite, and other clinical signs. It is vital that dairy facilities nationwide practice heightened biosecurity measures to mitigate further spread.

If farmers believe dairy cattle within their herds are showing clinical signs, they are urged to contact their herd veterinarian immediately. Veterinarians at the dairy facility level can best assess these animals, decide on the appropriate supportive care for them and determine the appropriate samples to be taken and diagnostics to be performed.

Veterinarians should contact TVMDL-Canyon, 806-651-7478, for additional diagnostic guidance.