As anticipated, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has published an Ohio Instructional Guide to help dairy farmers comply with USDA's Federal Order to limit the spread of HPAI in dairy cattle.
Requirements for movement of dairy cattle are outlined in the guide, which is posted at the bottom of ODA's Dairy Cattle web page. There is also a link to digitally submit an alternative movement document (also referred to as an "owner-shipper" or "owner-hauler" statement) which must be approved by the state Vveterinarian to move cull lactating dairy cattle across state lines.
Everyday Biosecurity Recommendations for Dairy and Beef Cattle Farm Personnel
The Basics: What should farms do to protect their animals?
It is advisable that farms review their biosecurity plan with employees and other relevant personnel, as well as working closely with their herd veterinarian to help mitigate risk. Currently, there are no vaccines, drugs, or feed additives available for purchase to prevent infection. Normal measures, such as ensuring proper hygiene of pens, barns, feed, and water sources, along with providing adequate nutrition with supplemented vitamins and minerals should be in place for the general prevention of disease. In particular, farms should enhance basic biosecurity protocols. This includes:
- Limit the access of wild birds, particularly waterfowl, to the food and water sources of cattle.
- Prevent any “backyard birds” from having contact with dairy cattle.
- Reduce the frequency of vistors or eliminate non-essential visitors to the farm.
- Ensure that any farm visitors wear clean clothes and disinfect boots, or use disposable boot covers.
- Minimize the introduction of outside animals into the farm, particularly those from unknown sources.
- Quarantine any new animals, especially those from the affected states, introduced to the farm for 21 days while closely monitoring feed and water intakes.
*CDC Situation Summary (with suggested protective measures)
*Additional biosecurity resources for dairy farms can be found here.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be added as more information becomes available.