New research from Michigan State University will examine the impact of the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus on dairy cattle reproduction and milk production, as well as ways to transmit and mitigate the disease.
Support for the new project came from two sources, each covering half of the total amount of $168,000.
As of mid-May, H5N1 infections had been detected in dozens of dairy herds in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas, according to the USDA.
The virus, which was first detected in domestic birds in the U.S. in 2022 and only recently in cattle, has been identified in unpasteurized milk, as well as in swabs and tissue samples from sick cattle. Symptoms can include decreased milk production, decreased appetite, and changes in milk color and consistency.
The research team will try to answer several key questions, such as:
- What are the short and long term effects of the disease on reproduction and milk production?
- What factors influence the likelihood of a herd becoming infected?
- What increases or decreases the likelihood of cows becoming infected?
- How does the virus spread within and between herds?
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Detailed examination of animals and equipment
The team plans to conduct five studies on farms with H5N1-positive animals. They will examine dairy cows, dry cows and calves, taking blood, nasal swabs and milk samples for testing. Additionally, scientists will analyze milking equipment for the presence of the H5N1 virus and compare the accuracy of testing pooled and individual samples.
Data from Michigan farms will be combined with research from other universities across the country to enable comprehensive analysis.
