As the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, approaches, heightened concerns about bird flu prompt organizers to implement stringent measures to prevent an outbreak. Scheduled for October 1-4, 2024, the event will feature around 2,500 dairy cattle and attract 50,000 visitors. The U.S. dairy industry faces significant economic risks due to bird flu, which has impacted 191 herds across 13 states. Despite minimal human cases, challenges remain with limited testing and potential underreporting. The success of the expo’s preventive measures will be closely watched.
As the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, approaches, organizers are on high alert to prevent a potential outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Scheduled to run from October 1-4, 2024, the expo is set to draw approximately 50,000 visitors and vendors from nearly 100 countries, featuring around 2,500 top-tier dairy cattle from across the globe.
Event Preparations and New Measures
In response to rising bird flu concerns, event organizers have implemented stringent new rules and enhanced testing protocols. These measures are designed to ensure the expo remains free from the virus. In the event a cow tests positive for Influenza A, Wisconsin state authorities have indicated that all cattle on site could face temporary quarantine, with the possibility of extended quarantine measures affecting cattle as they return to their home states or cross into Canada.
Economic Impact and Industry Concerns Amid Bird Flu Threat
The potential impact of a bird flu outbreak on the dairy industry is significant. In 2023, the U.S. dairy sector contributed approximately $800 billion to the economy, processing 230 million pounds of raw milk into products like fluid milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Despite rigorous precautions, bird flu remains a pressing issue, with the virus detected in 191 dairy herds across 13 states. Although human cases linked to dairy cattle are relatively few, with only 13 reported cases, the industry faces notable challenges.
Helena Bottemiller Evich noted that while poultry cases of bird flu have been more prevalent, recent human cases are increasingly linked to poultry. The slow transmission from poultry to humans is due to rapid eradication efforts. However, the dairy sector encounters complexities due to limited testing and potential underreporting of infections among farmworkers and farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides voluntary milk testing for bird flu, but participation is minimal, with only about 0.1% of dairy farms currently enrolled.
As the World Dairy Expo nears, the dairy sector must navigate the challenge of showcasing its best while mitigating the risks posed by bird flu. The effectiveness of these preventative measures will be closely monitored by both industry stakeholders and public health officials.
