Wall Lake Veterinary Services, LTD

05/29/2022

08/12/2020

USDA APHIS – Public Comment on RFID Official Tags

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on a proposal where APHIS would only approve Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as the official ear tag for use in interstate movement of cattle that are required to be identified by the traceability regulations. An official ear tag is defined as an identification tag approved by APHIS that bears an official identification number for individual animals. Regulations allow APHIS to approve tags that can be used as official identification, and both metal and RFID tags are current options.
A transition to RFID tags would support APHIS’ ongoing efforts to increase animal disease traceability by more accurately and rapidly allowing animal health officials to know where affected and at-risk animals are located. While this would not prevent disease outbreaks, it would allow animal health officials to more quickly contain outbreaks early before they can do substantial damage to the U.S. cattle industry.
APHIS is also seeking comment on a proposed timeline for implementation, which the agency would use if this transition occurs. The timeline would make RFID tags the only option for use in cattle and bison requiring official identification on January 1, 2023. APHIS would “grandfather in” animals that have metal tags already in place on that date – their metal tags would serve as official identification for the remainder of their lifespan.
Public comments will be accepted through October 5, 2020 at the following site: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-14463. After reviewing all comments, APHIS will publish a follow up Federal Register notice. This notice will respond to any such comments, announce our decision whether to only approve RFID tags as the only official identification devices for cattle, and, if so, provide the timeline for such a transition.

In accordance with Executive Order 13892, Promoting the Rule of Law Through Transparency and Fairness in Civil Administrative Enforcement and Adjudication, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is soliciting public comments on a proposal wherein APHIS would only approve radio...

08/08/2020

Keep an Eye on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Cases
Wendie Powell - Kansas State University Extension
August 7, 2020 11:27 AM
VesicularStomatitis_K-State
Vesicular stomatitis lesions on a horse. ( K-State University Extension )

Of the current buzzwords coming through media, and through the grapevine, is VSV, or vesicular stomatitis virus. This contagious virus was first confirmed in Butler County on June 16, and it has spread to other counties, including Montgomery County.

Vesicular stomatitis does not normally kill affected animals, but it can cause economic losses for livestock producers by preventing animal movements and impacting international trade. Farms with affected animals are quarantined until 14 days after lesions appear on the last case at that location. Quarantine periods can be lengthy if the disease continues to spread within the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises.

This virus primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, there are confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas in horses and cattle.

Horse and livestock owners should continue to be watchful of symptoms and be in communication with their veterinarian if there is cause for concern. The incubation period for vesicular stomatitis is two to eight days. The first sign of illness is often excessive salivation, caused by the lesions in the mouth. The blisters will swell and break open, which causes mouth pain, discomfort, and reluctance to eat or drink, leading to severe weight loss. Lesions or scabs will appear on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands and ventral abdomen. If the coronary bands of the hooves are affected, then lameness can occur. A spike in body temperature before or at the same time lesions first appear can be noticed. This is a painful virus and can be costly to manage.

Because insects that are the primary source of infection, the best way to combat the slow spread is to take aggressive steps to limit exposure to biting flies, ticks and midges. It can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. Establish insect control measures that consider the animal as well as the area the livestock reside in.

The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

Humans are rarely affected with the disease, though it is possible for humans to contract it when handling infected animals. VSV can cause flu-like symptoms if infected saliva gets into an open wound, eyes, or mouth. People handling potentially infected animals should wear gloves for protection, and talk with a physician if they have questions.

The largest concern with the spread of vesicular stomatitis is the impact it will have on the markets, leading to impacts on the price of meat. The movement of livestock is already being restricted; Arkansas requires an Entry Permit number for all hoof stock originating from a county or neighboring county of any VSV quarantined facility in any affected state. Other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on live livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

08/01/2020

Frontal vehicle illumination via rear‐facing lighting reduces potential for collisions with white‐tailed deer
Travis L. DeVault
Thomas W. Seamans
Bradley F. Blackwell
First published: 27 July 2020
https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3187

Corresponding Editor: Robert R. Parmenter.
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Abstract

Animal–vehicle collisions cause many millions of animal deaths each year worldwide and present a substantial safety risk to people. In the United States and Canada, deer (Odocoileus spp.) are involved in most animal–vehicle collisions associated with human injuries. We evaluated a vehicle‐based collision mitigation method designed to decrease the likelihood of deer–vehicle collisions during low‐light conditions, when most collisions occur. Specifically, we investigated whether the use of a rear‐facing light, providing more complete frontal vehicle illumination than standard headlights alone, enhanced vehicle avoidance behaviors of white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus ). We quantified flight initiation distance (FID), the likelihood of a dangerous deer–vehicle interaction (FID ≤ 50 m), and road‐crossing behavior of deer in response to an oncoming vehicle using only standard high‐beam headlights and the same vehicle using headlights plus an LED light bar illuminating the frontal surface of the vehicle. We predicted that frontal vehicle illumination would enhance perceived risk of deer approached by the vehicle and lead to more effective avoidance responses. We conducted 62 vehicle approaches (31 per lighting treatment) toward free‐ranging deer over ~14 months. Although FID did not differ across treatments, the likelihood of a dangerous deer–vehicle interaction decreased from 35% of vehicle approaches using only headlights to 10% of vehicle approaches using the light bar. The reduction in dangerous interactions appeared to be driven by fewer instances of immobility (freezing) behavior by deer in response to the illuminated vehicle (n = 1) compared with approaches using only headlights (n = 10). Because more deer moved in response to the illuminated vehicle, road‐crossing behavior likewise increased when the light bar was on, although these road crossings primarily occurred at FIDs > 50 m and thus did not increase collision risk. Road‐crossing behavior was influenced heavily by proximity to concealing cover; deer only crossed when the nearest cover was located on the opposite side of the road. We contend that frontal vehicle illumination via rear‐facing lighting has potential to greatly reduce vehicle collisions with deer and other species. Future work should explore fine‐tuning the method with regard to the visual capabilities of target species.

07/27/2020

Dogs trained to sniff coronavirus hit 94% success rate
It took about a week to train eight scent detection dogs to differentiate saliva and mucus samples from people with and without COVID-19, say scientists at Germany's University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover. The dogs achieved about a 94% success rate when both types of samples were used in the pilot study.
Full Story: Deutsche Welle (Germany) (7/23)

07/27/2020

Unsolicited Seeds from China
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds.
Anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.
People with questions can also call:
844-820-2234
Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
[email protected]

Questions?
Please contact your local FSA Office.

07/27/2020

Newborn Calves Need Umbilical Cord Care
Jim Dickrell
December 18, 2019 08:43 AM

It’s imperative care givers do all they can to ensure calves are born in clean, dry environments with fresh, unsoiled bedding. ( Farm Journal, Inc. )

Some 15 to 20% of newborn dairy calves develop umbilical cord infections after birth, with 1.6% of those resulting in death.

So it’s imperative care givers do all they can to ensure calves are born in clean, dry environments with fresh, unsoiled bedding, says Ellan Dufour, a dairy specialist with Hubbard Feeds.

“At birth the cord ruptures, disconnecting the dam from the calf, and the umbilical stump is left dangling from the calf’s navel where it eventually dries up and falls off,” she explains. “Before the cord dries, the passageway to the calf’s bloodstream is still open, leaving the naïve immune system of the calf susceptible to infection and disease via navel contamination.”

Navel infections can lead to reduced body weight gains early in life, and if severe, can lead to sepsis and death. Umbilical cord infections are most commonly caused by Staph. aureus, Strep. bovis and E. coli.

So the next step in preventing these infections is dipping the umbilical stump in an effective antibacterial solution as soon after birth as possible. “Calf raisers typically use small, disposable cups to dip the cord; this allows for complete coverage and also limits calf-to-calf pathogen exposure,” says Dufour.

“Using a spray bottle to spray solution on the navel and cord is inadequate, as the spraying does not offer consistent, total coverage, making the cord susceptible to pathogen exposure.

A 7% tincture of iodine solution is preferred because the alcohol present in it helps dry out the cord. A solution less than 7% will not offer the protection a calf needs and has been shown to be ineffective, she says. For more options, click here.

Dufour also says it’s important to check each calf’s navel area two to three times during its first week of life to ensure it is fully healed and dry. A hardened navel that is enlarged (it should be no bigger than the diameter of a pencil after three to five days) or causes the calf discomfort when squeezed might be signs of an infection. Fevers are also indicative of infections.

“If the calve is showing signs of a navel infection, contact your veterinarian for treatment options,” she says.
Related Topics: Dairy
Dairy Calves
Herd Health

07/11/2020

Consistency Rules in Preventing Abomasal Bloat in Calves
Maureen Hanson
July 7, 2020 10:09 AM
Straw Newborn Dairy Calf
Newborn Holstein calf ( Maureen Hanson )

Most dairy calf raisers unfortunately have familiarity with abomasal bloat. It’s the rapid accumulation of gas in the abomasum, which causes abdominal distension, depression, pain, diarrhea and often death. It can come on so quickly that calves appearing perfectly healthy at one feeding are found dead at the next.

According to Brian Miller, DVM, Senior Veterinarian for Merck Animal Health, abomasal bloat is not difficult to diagnose, but it is difficult to treat. Miller told the audience of a recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Association webinar that 50-60% of cases are fatal, even with veterinary intervention.

“Abomasal bloat occurs most commonly in calves from 5 to 14 days of age, but it can happen up to 21 days,” shared Miller. He said calves in this early stage of life are essentially monogastric, with all milk or milk replacer being digested in the abomasum. This makes abomasal function critical in young calves.

Researchers do not fully understand the cause of this frustrating disease, but Miller said there are three speculative sources:

Gas-producing bacteria in the abomasum (most likely Clostridium perfringens or Sarcinia ventriculi).
An excess of readily fermentable carbohydrates, along with fermentative enzymes, in the abomasum.
Anything that delays the abomasal emptying rate.

Miller said clostridium bacteria are native to both the digestive tract and the cattle-housing environment. But they can become problematic when something fuels their exponential growth in the digestive tract, resulting in vast quantities of gas and potent toxins being produced.

“Milk-based as well as plant-based milk replacers are commonly fed to calves. Problems may arise when there are issues with osmolality which affects how the abomasum handles a meal. High- or low-osmolality solutions delay abomasal emptying which allows bacteria extra time to ferment nutrients,” he explained. “This leads to excessive gas production/bloat. Factors that can affect osmolality include: variations in total solids, addition of electrolytes to milk or milk replacer without additional water; improper mixing (agitation); milk replacer mixing errors; or feeding a poor-quality milk replacer that does not stay in solution.”

The veterinarian noted that accelerated liquid feeding programs delivering large quantities of milk or milk replacer have become the gold standard for feeding that potentially allow calves to reach their genetic potential for growth and future milk production. Rather, than a “step up” diet, it is more beneficial to place young calves on high-volume milk diets as quickly as possible after receiving colostrum to help them achieve early puberty, faster breeding and younger age at first calving.

Accelerated feeding programs also have been implicated as a cause of abomasal bloat. Miller does not believe that is the case because volume is not the issue as long as the quality is there. “Osmolality must be kept in a healthy range because high total solids in an accelerated program certainly can contribute to abomasal bloat,” he said. “That is why it is strongly recommended to offer free-choice water post-feeding to dilute out high total solids that may be present due to potential mixing errors.”

According to Miller, the most important means of prevention of abomasal bloat in calves is consistency, consistency, consistency. “The hardest part of raising healthy calves – and avoiding this disease in particular – is doing the simple things consistently, over and over again,” he advised. They include:

Measure total solids when feeding whole milk – Using a Brix refractometer and an evaluation standard of “Brix +2,” regularly test the milk delivered to the first, middle and last calf. Although imperfect, it is a field test that allows calf raisers to measure dietary consistency. Used on a regular basis, it allows caretakers to manage the diet for consistency and spot changes that might contribute to potential issues. If there is greater than a 2-point swing in total solids, there will be variation in appetites and potential for issues including abomasal bloat. A safe goal for total solids is 12-14% (don’t exceed 15%).

Mix properly – Follow the same protocol for assembling and agitating every batch of milk or milk replacer. Total solids also should be evaluated before every batch is fed. Hospital milk can vary greatly in solids content.

Include additives carefully – Avoid multiple additives, as this may alter the osmolality of a finished formula to unacceptable levels.

Monitor feeding temperature – Again, access at first, middle and last calf. Extremely cold weather may require extra measures to ensure the temperature remains the same from the first to the last calf.

Acclimate calves to large-volume feedings – Once calves are fed a large-volume colostrum meal, start them on large-volume feedings from the start and stay consistent. This reduces the risk of this disease, enhances growth rates and improves immunity. Although 3X a day feeding would be ideal, in absence of this, there is increasingly strong evidence that the “step up” diet is not needed.

Deliver feedings consistently – Ensure the same feed from first to last calf -- from one feeding to the next -- and consistency between feeders. Replace worn ni***es to prevent excessive drinking speeds.

Sanitize feeding equipment – Follow routine protocols for cleaning and sanitizing all equipment used to mix and feed the liquid ration. Monitor sanitation regularly using ATP swabs.

Provide water – Deliver clean, free-choice water within 20 to 30 minutes of liquid feedings.

In addition to consistent feeding formulation and practices, a healthy calf starts with a healthy cow. For dry cows and replacement heifers, provide excellent colostrum management; adequate bunk and resting space; a clean, dry, low-stress environment; good ventilation and heat-stress abatement; and focused maternity pen management. These practices improve both cow and calf health.

Vaccination with 7-way clostridial vaccines and scour-prevention formulations also can help manage the bacterial piece of the disease. Miller suggested administering clostridial vaccines to late-gestation dams to fortify their colostrum, then implementing herd-wide programs to deliver the same vaccine to calves at 3 and 4 months of age; at prebreeding; and again in late gestation. Pre-calving administration of scours vaccines also provide colostral protection against organisms like E. coli, rotavirus and coronavirus, in addition to Clostridium perfringens.

Miller advised working collaboratively with both the herd veterinarian and nutritionist to evaluate the causes, preventive measures and treatment protocols for abomasal bloat in individual herds. “The most successful calf raisers are those who pay attention to detail, establish protocols, and follow the same routine, regardless of what else is happening on any given day,” he said. “Controlling the things you can will help your calves overcome the things you can’t.”

07/03/2020

3 States Report Rabies In Cattle
Rhonda Brooks
June 30, 2020 02:07 PM
skunk.jpg
Skunks and other wildlife, such as bats and foxes, are the most common reservoirs of rabies. ( Oklahoma State University Extension )

Cattle rarely contract rabies, but some states have reported cases this year—including one each in Minnesota and Texas, and two in Oklahoma.

The cases in Oklahoma are concerning, according to the Oklahoma Department of Health, as the state had already confirmed 20 cases of rabies by early June, nearly equaling the total 24 cases the state confirmed in 2019.

Nationwide, a total of 33 rabid cattle were reported in 2018, representing a 8.3% decrease from 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These are the most recent figures, to date, from the CDC.

While it’s impractical to vaccinate a herd of cattle, those animals that are in regular contact with humans—such as dairy cattle, show animals and horses—should be, recommends Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and food quality and health specialist, in a university distributed press release.

He says there are two forms of rabies that people tend to think of: one is what he describes as “furious.” Animals suffering from that expression of rabies will be restless, wander, vocalize, drool and attack anything in sight. Infected animals that are normally nocturnal may be seen during the day. Convulsions in the late stages of the disease are common and those creatures usually die in four to eight days after showing clinical signs.

The second form of rabies is expressed as progressive paralysis. In those animals, the throat is paralyzed, and the animal cannot swallow or vocalize normally, Whitworth says. Cattle might have a high-pitched bellow or be silent when they attempt to bellow. Rumination will cease, which may result in bloat. They also may appear to be straining to urinate or defecate and may have difficulty walking.

“It’s easy to mistake this form for a digestive or urinary problem, or possibly that a female animal is aborting,” Whitworth said in the release. “Animals infected with the paralytic form of rabies usually die in two to six days from respiratory failure.”

More details about the disease are available online via an OSU Extension fact sheet and in a YouTube video featuring Whitworth that was produced as part of OSU Extension’s award-winning SUNUP television program.

The CDC makes the following recommendations for addressing livestock exposed to rabies:
1. If up to date for the rabies vaccination, livestock that have been exposed to a rabid animal should be revaccinated immediately with a rabies vaccine and observed for 45 days.
2. Unvaccinated livestock exposed to rabies should be euthanized immediately. If the animal is not euthanized, it should be kept under close observation for 6 months. Any illness in an animal under observation should be reported immediately to the local health department. If the animal develops signs suggestive of rabies, it should be euthanized and tested.

The CDC offers additional information about rabies specifically for veterinarians here: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/specific_groups/veterinarians/index.html

Information for Veterinarians; Including the 2008 Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control

06/27/2020

Protect horse health this summer with proactive vaccines and routines

St. Paul, Minn. - Horse owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to make sure their animals are up to date on vaccines to reduce the risk of illnesses from disease carrying insects. Vaccines for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV), two of the most common diseases spread by insects during warmer months in Minnesota are widely available and have been proven to be effective in preventing infection.

EEE and WNV are regularly found in the United States with birds serving as the primary host of the viruses. The viruses circulate between infected birds and mosquitoes. Once infected, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to horses or people. The virus can cause encephalomyelitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Infected horses may or may not show neurological symptoms and many recover completely, especially those who have a history of annual vaccination.

“Vaccination schedules vary depending on horse activities and you should always work with your veterinarian to determine what’s best for the animal,” said Dr. Brian Hoefs, Board of Animal Health Senior Veterinarian. “In addition to vaccines, there are other important things owners can do to create a lower risk environment to reduce the presence of insects that spread these diseases.”

Take these steps to reduce disease risk by reducing mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Change water in drinking troughs every week.
Mow long grass.
Drain stagnant water puddles.
Remove items mosquitoes use for breeding grounds, like old tires and tin cans.
Place and maintain screens over windows and stable doors.
Use mosquito repellents to protect horses and people from mosquito bites.

These measures are especially important for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), which is primarily spread through horse and deer fly bites. There is no vaccine for EIA but good preventative practices and testing with the “Coggin’s Test” can reduce risk. In addition to pests, people can also spread it between horses by using contaminated needles or other equipment not sanitized after working with infected horses, mules or donkeys.

Biosecurity is the best way to prevent many diseases, which can spread by direct contact with infected horses or with contaminated objects like tack, feed and water buckets, grooming equipment, and a person’s hands or clothing. Other measures, like isolating new horses until they’re tested for diseases like EIA are also recommended. Minimizing or eliminating contact between non-exposed and infected horses is instrumental in preventing spread of the disease.

Another way the Board of Animal Health protects animals in Minnesota is through importation requirements. Horses imported into Minnesota must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) that includes official identification and the date of the last negative Coggin’s Test, which must’ve been conducted within 12 months prior to the date of importation. The following are exceptions to the CVI requirement:

Horses brought into the state for participation in trail rides or exhibitions; or
Horses entering a veterinary facility for treatment, surgery, or diagnostic procedures and returning to the state of origin with no change in ownership.

Horses exempt from CVI requirements are still required to have a negative Coggin’s Test within the previous 12 months to enter Minnesota. Suckling foals accompanying a negative dam are the only exemption to this regulation.

06/18/2020

Steroid Used on Livestock Could Lower Death Risk in Severe COVID Cases
Taylor Leach
June 17, 2020 02:27 PM

Dexamethasone, a widely available steroid commonly used on livestock, has shown to help lower the risk of death in severe coronavirus cases by 35%, according to a study conducted at the University of Oxford.

This anti-inflammatory drug is typically used to help treat allergic reactions, myoglobinuria, shock, stress and urticaria in livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats. However, the drug is also approved for human use and can be used to treat asthma, arthritis, immune system disorders, skin and eye conditions along with certain cancers.

Now, the drug is being used to help treat those suffering from severe cases of coronavirus.

"Dexamethasone is the first drug to be shown to improve survival in COVID-19. This is an extremely welcome result," said Peter Horby, professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford. "Dexamethasone is inexpensive, on the shelf, and can be used immediately to save lives worldwide."

Daily doses of the steroid could prevent one in eight ventilated patient deaths and save one out of every 25 patients requiring oxygen alone, the researchers said.

"This is a major breakthrough: dexamethasone is the first and only drug that has made a significant difference to patient mortality for COVID-19," Nick Cammack, COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator Lead for the Wellcome Trust health charity, told CBS News.

"Potentially preventing one death in every eight ventilated patients would be remarkable," he added.

While the study looks hopeful for severe coronavirus cases, the researchers found that the steroid does not seem to be as effective for less serious cases.

Nonetheless, because dexamethasone is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration, along with the fact that it is widely available worldwide, this drug that you might normally find on your farm could have the potential to save human lives.

05/16/2020

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
Where is it being reported?

New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Nevada.
What should a veterinarian be looking for if they’re examining sick rabbits?

Lethargy followed by sudden death with hemorrhage. Any unusual increase in mortality in a rabbitry with those signs should be reported to the Board.
What if veterinarians get questions about vaccines?

There are currently no approved vaccines available in the U.S. Any vaccine importation must be approved by the Board of Animal Health and USDA.
Who should a veterinarian contact if they want to learn about importing a vaccine for limited use?

Contact the USDA at [email protected].
What is the Board’s guidance on vaccine use at this time?

Because this is a foreign animal disease, the Board currently does not allow vaccination. If this disease is diagnosed in Minnesota, or adjoining states, the Board will re-assess this decision.

Additionally, the USDA, and other federal agencies, may have further guidelines or authorities which would affect Minnesota’s decision.
What can rabbit owners do?

Keep vigilant and practice strict biosecurity.

04/18/2020

Seasonal Avian Influenza Detection and Biosecurity Reminder

On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial turkeys in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry since 2017. This detection should serve as a reminder that poultry in Minnesota are also at risk and that producers should review their current biosecurity plans and practices. Minnesota poultry producers do not need a repeat of the awful HPAI H5N2 outbreak Minnesota experienced in 2015.

The keys to detecting and preventing avian influenza in Minnesota are:

KNOW THE SIGNS. Any unexplained increase in mortality, decreased egg production, quiet or depressed birds, respiratory or neurologic (twisted necks or quiet) signs of disease should be investigated. Make sure the people who work with your birds daily (either you or your workers) know what to look for. If you find one or two dead birds in in your flock for a couple days in a row, and you cannot explain their death, contact your veterinarian, even if all other birds look fine. For more information on influenza, see the links below.
REPORT WHAT YOU’RE SEEING. Call your veterinarian to describe the signs in your flock so together next steps can be taken. If you do not have a veterinarian call the Board at 320-231-5170.
SUBMIT SAMPLES FOR TESTING. Samples for official avian influenza testing must be collected by an accredited veterinarian or individuals trained and certified as authorized poultry testing agents. The Minnesota Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan requires 30 pooled tracheal swab samples from each barn when birds are showing signs of disease consistent with influenza. Always collect samples from dead birds before others. Every grower should calculate the number of tracheal swab supplies (BHI tubes and swabs) needed to sample flocks within your operation. Call the MPTL (320-231-5170) or email [email protected] to get supplies at no cost! Samples should be submitted to the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL). When collecting samples in these situations, please call ahead to the MPTL to notify when samples will arrive.
PREVENT EXPOSURE. Follow your biosecurity plan. Biosecurity can prevent avian influenza if you use it consistently. Pay special attention to the line of separation. Carefully follow safe entry and exit procedures into your flock. Spring weather can make these procedures difficult because of mud, rain, wind and other shifting weather conditions. At the same time, puddles and other standing water may attract waterfowl to get even closer to barns. This is the time to really focus on safe barn entries. Make sure garbage and dead birds are picked up outside of your perimeter buffer area. One of the most common ways HPAI moves around is through the movement of dead birds and garbage off the farm.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Remind everyone you talk to about their role in your farm’s biosecurity. Evaluate your risks, ask questions and participate in protecting your flocks.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

Minnesota Board of Animal Health Avian Influenza: https://www.bah.state.mn.us/avian-influenza/
USDA avian influenza detection information and biosecurity: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/ai
University of Minnesota Poultry Extension: https://blog-poultry.extension.umn.edu/
University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: https://www.vdl.umn.edu/

Disease Information Influenza is a virus that can infect humans and many animal species, including poultry and other birds. Influenza is not uncommon and it has been around for centuries. Influenza in poultry is not a food safety issue. Influenza in poultry falls into two groups: low pathogenic avia...