BOAH hosts meeting for dairy industry on H5N1 influenza

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) will host an important meeting for the dairy industry, including farmers, haulers, veterinarians, and service providers, to discuss the latest information and outlook related to the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation.

This in-person meeting is scheduled to take place at the Topeka Livestock Auction’s livestock arena on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 7 p.m. (Eastern). The market is located at 601 E Lake Street, Topeka, IN 46571.

Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh, DVM, along with key BOAH staff, will lead the meeting. The agenda will cover various aspects of the H5N1 situation, including the current status of the disease nationally, testing protocols and programs, state response plans if a positive case is identified, practical biosecurity and prevention efforts, and available federal programs.

“Everyone working in the dairy sector is welcome to attend,” Dr. Marsh stated. “Preventing the spread of this disease and ensuring a coordinated response requires the collective effort of everyone involved in this industry.”

Since the first case of H5N1 was identified on a Texas dairy farm in March, BOAH has been closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with veterinarians and farmers to coordinate testing.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in Indiana dairy cattle.

The meeting aims to provide the dairy industry with essential information to safeguard their operations and prepare for any potential outbreaks.

The session will also highlight the importance of biosecurity measures and the steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of H5N1.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. The BOAH team is committed to supporting the dairy industry through this challenging time and ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared.

By bringing together the dairy community, BOAH hopes to strengthen the industry's resilience against H5N1 and other potential threats.

This proactive approach underscores the importance of collaboration and communication in maintaining the health and safety of Indiana's dairy farms.

The BOAH meeting on July 11 is a crucial step in keeping the dairy industry informed and prepared, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation.

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