The mystery illness affecting dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle this spring was later identified as a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Just a week earlier, HPAI had been confirmed in a goat kid in Minnesota on a farm where the disease had been detected in poultry. This was the first time HPAI was found in livestock in the United States.

By early May, the number of farms with infected cattle ticked upward, and the virus had been confirmed on dairy farms in nine states. The main symptoms in infected animals include reduced feed intake, a drop in milk production, and milk that is abnormal in appearance. Fortunately, the virus is not fatal for dairy cattle like it often is in chickens and turkeys. According to USDA, since the outbreak of HPAI began in poultry in February 2022, cases have been found in 1,133 flocks from 48 states, affecting almost 91 million birds.

We know that infected dairy cattle shed HPAI in their milk. It has not yet been proven that the virus is secreted though saliva, respiratory droplets, or manure, but it is possible. Farms have been asked to bump up their biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the virus, and manure management should be part of that plan.

In a Michigan State University Extension article, Charles Gould offered advice for manure application in the face of the HPAI situation. Manure biosecurity, he wrote, should start before application. Note the location of adjacent livestock farms, especially poultry operations. Contact those neighboring farms prior to application and let them know your dedicated routes of travel when moving manure. If spreading manure from infected animals, Gould said to avoid roadways commonly used by other livestock farms and apply the manure to fields away from main roadways and other farms.

The extension educator encouraged the use of dedicated equipment, applicator clothing, and footwear when transferring and applying manure. He said to create designated pathways on the premise, for both walking and driving, that limit crossover between people entering animal housing and those responsible for manure handling.

“Institute proper cleaning and disinfection protocols for manure application equipment. This means removing organic material before applying an appropriate sanitizer or disinfectant,” Gould said. Clean and then disinfect any manure equipment inside and out when moving between manure sources, different livestock sites, or fields.

As is always good practice, Gould said to keep complete records of agitation, removal, and application dates and locations. If you work with a custom applicator, communicate with them to ensure proper biosecurity measures are being followed to help protect animals from HPAI and other viruses.

It is also a good time to review protocols that help keep humans safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current HPAI risk to the general public to be low, but the first human case of HPAI contracted from dairy cattle was identified in early April.

John Shutske, a professor and agricultural safety and health specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared five practices that reduce pathogen exposure in a video series for farm workers. His first piece of advice was for people to wash their hands and forearms regularly, especially after working with animals or manure and before touching food.

People should avoid touching their face when working, Shutske recommended next. This includes the mouth, nose, and eyes. Keep scratches or wounds clean and covered because bacteria can enter through any break in the skin.

Another helpful practice is to store food in a clean location and only eat in designated areas. Avoid eating when working with animals and do not eat where animals are kept, he said.

Shutske also recommended wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate. This includes gloves, boot covers, coveralls, face masks, and eye protection.

Lastly, Shutske said to have dedicated work clothing and boots that stay on the farm and are washed daily. “Work clothes and boots should not be worn in personal vehicles or at home,” he advised.

This article appeared in the May 2024 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on pages 21. Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.