Livestock – Equine News: July 29, 2024

Mammal-to-mammal transmission of avian flu confirmed

A new study from Cornell University provides evidence that a spillover of avian influenza from birds to dairy cattle across several U.S. states has now led to mammal-to-mammal transmission — between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon.

Can H5N1 spread through cow sneezes?

Cows can get infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 by breathing in virus-laden aerosols, according to a preprint posted on bioRxiv. But scientists say infected milk – rather than this mode of transmission – is probably driving the current outbreak among cattle in the United States.

Conference on emerging swine viruses to take place in December

North American PRRS Symposium will bring together researchers, industry and academic professionals, and students to deliver the latest knowledge about the control of PRRS, PEDV, ASFV and other emerging swine viruses. The meeting will take place in Chicago on Dec. 8 and 9, 2024. The deadline for submitting an abstract for the meeting is Sept. 20.

Dairies failing to realize efficiencies from robots

Many dairies that have implemented box robots to increase efficiency and reduce expenses have not cut back on labor, and in fact, may be paying more than before they made the switch from conventional milking. The dairies that tend to be most successful at reducing labor costs are those in which the owners have a little more “boots on the ground,” doing some of the work themselves. This is especially true for dairies 400 cows or less.

Free guide helps small farms prepare for emergencies

The American Veterinary Medical Association has published a disaster preparedness guide that helps small farms be ready to safeguard their horses, poultry and other farm animals in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. Small Farm Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for Owners of Farm Animals is a free, downloadable booklet filled with tips, checklists and important information for farm animal owners.

Disease prediction center in Boston

Less than a year since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded a disease prediction center at Northeastern University in Boston, researchers have produced risk maps highlighting potential hot spots on farms based on cows’ travel across state lines. The center – called EPISTORM – is designed to help detect and prepare the United States for the next outbreak of infectious disease, especially in rural areas. The USDA has required testing of dairy cows moved between states since late April.