Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cows

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a contagious and deadly respiratory disease of poultry that has transferred to dairy cattle. Fortunately, HPAI (H5N1) infection in dairy cows is generally not fatal, and most cows recover within a week or so.  Typical symptoms include low appetite, reduced milk production, and thickened milk and fecal matter. 

The HPAI virus is shed in milk, fecal material, mucous, and saliva.  Biosecurity is the best defense against H5N1.  Limiting movement of people, and cattle, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and good manure management practices are key in preventing the spread of this disease. 

The virus can be killed with heat, and most disinfectants.  Since the virus is stable when present in organic matter, it is essential that the organic material such as feces be removed and then surface disinfected.  Any milk that is being disposed of, should be heat-treated prior to disposal.  Once heat-treated, standard manure management practices can be used. 

For additional information, please see the following resources:

HPAI in Dairy Cows Factsheet

Dairy Farm Biosecurity:  Preventing the Spread of H5N1