Message from the Director: An Update on HPAI in Dairy Cattle
Since February 2022, the VMDL has been working with poultry producers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture to detect and control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial poultry. In March 2024, the same virus H5N1 Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in dairy cattle. The cattle cases are likely originating from migratory birds carrying the virus. The virus can also spread to different dairy farms through cattle movement and to nearby poultry farms. It is clear that bacteria and viruses do not respect borders or barriers.
In times like this, it is critically important to have good biosafety and biosecurity measures in place. Please keep in mind that HPAI itself is considered a foreign animal disease agent, and as such, federal and state rules must be followed. As a Level-I lab of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the VMDL is actively testing cattle and poultry samples for HPAI. Testing is performed for different reasons as outlined below:
- Surveillance: Interested producers can enroll in USDA Voluntary HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program by contacting USDA/APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge. Milk samples are tested on a weekly basis.
- Interstate movements of lactating dairy cattle: milk samples are tested for HPAI within seven days of movement.
- Clinical cases: USDA considers HPAI in dairy cattle an emerging disease. However, appropriate FAD regulations may still apply.
Have a Happy Summer!
Dr. Shuping Zhang
Director, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
Rabies Titer Testing for Veterinarians and Technicians at VMDL One Health Lab
Kit Information: Kit includes supplies needed for collection of one sample. Supplies include collection needle, vacutainer collection tube, tourniquet, gauze, and alcohol pad; packing material; and instruction sheet.
Submission form: A completed MU RFFIT Submission form is required for submission of sample(s). The submission form can be found on our website:
https://vmdl.missouri.edu/one-health-rabies/mu-vmdl-rffit-sample-submission-information-and-instructions/.
NOTE: MVMA members must include their member ID on the submission form to receive discount. Please clearly indicate MVMA membership ID on form.
Specimen: 0.5-2.0 mL of clear serum in an unbreakable, leak proof tube labeled with the first and last name.
Packing: See instructions sent in the kit or visit https://vmdl.missouri.edu/sample-submission-information/.
Shipping information: Please ship samples to the address below:
One Health- Rabies Section/MU VMDL
901 East Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211
- One or two-day shipment via courier is recommended.
- See option for a FedEx billable stamp and shipping supplies at https://cvmweb.missouri.edu/Docs/VMDL/VMDL_Client_Supplies_Order_Form.pdf
Contact us at muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu or 573-882-3646 for any questions and/or to order a kit.
New 2024/2025 VMDL Fee Guide Available
Our new fee guide is here! Discard your old copies and update your records to reflect our new pricing effective 8/1/2024.
New service offerings include:
- Fructosamine (Clinical Pathology)
- Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio (Clinical Pathology)
- Theileria orientalis PCR (Molecular Biology)
- Bovine Tick Panel: Anaplasma marginale and Theileria orientalis PCR (Molecular Biology)
UNDER THE SCOPE – SUMMER 2024