A note from Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies

Avian Influenza Update Last week, Western United Dairies requested that State of California use it’s authority to ban all cattle coming into California from HPIA infected states until further notice. Following the industry’s request for additional action, CDFA has increased their health certificate requirements to include the following:

“All animals identified on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) have been inspected and do not originate from a premises with a confirmed detection of Bovine Associated Influenza A (H5N1) Syndrome** or that is currently under investigation as a suspect premises.”

From Dr. Jones, State Vet/CDFA: “CVI note – the added statement and shortened time from veterinarian inspection to movement into CA for dairy breeds from affected states is included, and we are in the process of implementing. It will likely take a couple of days for CA Ag Border Inspectors to be made fully aware. Haulers will not be turned around, but if they do not have appropriate paperwork, the cattle destination is immediately sent to the District Animal Health Branch Office for follow-up. Continuing or egregious violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per head per day. High risk cattle moved in violation may be quarantined by CDFA for 21 days.”

For international trade purposes, it is important to be clear that we are not stopping imports but rather are enforcing the existing import prohibition against bringing diseased cattle into California by adding more specifics.

Also, it is looking more and more like the cow to cow transmission is primarily via mechanical spread associated with milk, and heat treatment kills the virus. Studies are continuing so too early to draw definitive conclusions.

CVI note – Per our CHTF discussion yesterday, the added statement and shortened time from veterinarian inspection to movement into CA for dairy breeds from affected states is included, and we are in the process of implementing. It will likely take a couple of days for CA Ag Border Inspectors to be made fully aware. Haulers will not be turned around, but if they do not have appropriate paperwork, the cattle destination is immediately sent to the District Animal Health Branch Office for follow-up. Continuing or egregious violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per head per day. High risk cattle moved in violation may be quarantined by CDFA for 21 days.

Also, it is looking more and more like the cow to cow transmission is primarily via mechanical spread associated with milk, and heat treatment kills the virus. Studies are continuing so too early to draw definitive conclusions.”

Western United Dairies is continuing to monitor the situation and will share information as it develops. •