This episode “H5N1 Outbreak Challenges and Opportunities” was recorded at the 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, Nevada.
Episode 149: H5N1 Outbreak Challenges and Opportunities
Timestamps:
The panel discusses their individual experiences with outbreaks in different states. Beth talks about her group’s microbial surveillance technology they used to compare rectal swabs from positive and non-positive herds. They noted elevations in specific virulent E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Clostridium perfringens in the HPAI-positive herds. Enrique noted that in California, the outbreak began in the South Valley during periods of heat stress, which exacerbated symptoms. He also felt that some dairies panicked a little and moved cows too much, which did not help. In the North Valley, the outbreak happened in cooler weather, and dairies purposefully did not move cows out of their pens and provided supportive therapy within the pen. (5:25)
Dr. Schcolnik emphasized making sure i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed in your nutrition program to help manage through an outbreak. The immune system is an obligate glucose utilizer, so energy is key, as are protein and trace minerals. He noted they also added binders to diets, and either probiotics or double doses of yeast to keep the rumen healthy. Decreasing intake is a big symptom, so he recommends vitamin B supplementation to stimulate appetite. (12:30)
The panel discusses how the Texas and California outbreaks differed from one another, including heat stress, recovery in milk production after infection, bird migration and cattle movement. Enrique notes that in California, it seemed like transmission was going downwind. Animal movement, wild birds and milk trucks were also implicated. (14:31)
Several companies are investing in vaccine development, but the virus mutation is a challenge. Dr. Spencer wonders if the vaccine will end up resembling the human flu vaccine where you hope to target the general structure of the virus to reduce impact. The panel talks about natural immunity and how cows will be impacted in the lactation after they were ill. Dr. Schcolnik has observed that a percentage of cows who were dry during the outbreak aren’t performing as well after freshening. He hypothesizes this could be due to mammary cell death during infection, as the virus lyses the cell as it exits the cell. (24:41)
The panel discusses practical recommendations for dairy producers to prepare for or help mitigate during an outbreak. Biosecurity is key. Vaccines are hopefully on the way, but until then, minimizing cattle movements within the herd, post-dipping cows as soon as possible after the machine falls off and minimizing splashing of milk are all good practices. The panel looks forward to more research about all the different ways the virus transmits. They’re also eager to learn more about treatment plans and what has worked for different dairies regarding giving fluids, altering rations, boosting the immune system, managing co-infections and impacts on calves and heifers. (29:18)
Lastly, panelists share their take-home thoughts. (37:33)
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