Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been found in multiple dairy cattle herds in Ohio, raising concerns. Farmers, public health officials and customers are alarmed as the virus, which mainly affects poultry, spreads to dairy operations. The illness may have serious effects on Ohio’s livestock business and nearby communities.
“When the flu started affecting the industry, we saw increased biosecurity measures, even from the past outbreaks,” said Jordan Settlage, Organic Valley dairy farmer in Auglaize County. “Our cooperative, Organic Valley, has always been strict about it, and they’ve been proactive in updating protocols to keep everyone informed.”
Although poultry and dairy are affected by the bird flu, each species has different symptoms. The virus exclusively replicates in the mammary glands of cows and causes a mild illness. This is a substantial departure from the virus’ usual behavior in chickens, in which respiratory problems and high death rates occur.
“It’s definitely nerve-racking. If this flu reached the dairy industry like it did with poultry, it would be devastating. Watching the impact on poultry farms, especially in places like Mercer County, really makes you worry,” said Settlage.
Some scientists suspect that dairy cattle contract the virus from wild birds. Dr. Andrew Bowman, an associate professor of epidemiology at Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Public Health, said that this potential spread remains a mystery
“It seems to be replicating in the cow’s mammary gland, which is radically different from how we know the virus typically behaves in other species,” Bowman said.
Commercial operations in Ohio lead the country in reported cases of the virus with increasing numbers of chicken populations affected. To stop the spread, farmers collaborate closely with authorities to implement strict biosecurity measures.
Jason Wenning, a poultry farmer in Mercer County, shared how his farm has responded to the outbreak.
“The measures we had to take were to increase our biosecurity,” Wenning said. “That included having all employees wash vehicles before they showed up to work, and all outside trucks picking up products had to confirm they were within twenty miles of reaching the farm.”
Wenning also noted the challenges posed by heightened biosecurity protocols.
“We had to make sure our employees were not rooming with others from different farms. That meant finding them different living arrangements or letting them go,” Wenning said.
Additionally, all employees must change clothes and shoes before entering the farm, with a wash and dryer facility available to support this process.
The presence of the virus is also affecting other sectors of agriculture. Wenning pointed out that it is no longer just a concern for the poultry industry but has now extended to grain crop farmers.
“Now that it has affected so many dairy and poultry, it is also affecting the grain crop sector of agriculture because we don’t have the livestock to eat everything that is produced,” Wenning said.
Biosecurity has become a critical component of daily operations for Ohio’s farmers.
“The main biosecurity measure is shower in, shower out, and change clothes,” Wenning said. “Consistency is key and ensuring that workers are strictly following these protocols every day is essential to preventing further spread.”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), eggs and poultry products are safe to consume as long as they are properly handled and thoroughly cooked.
“It is important to know that avian influenza cannot be transmitted through safely handled and thoroughly cooked meat or eggs,” said Jim Chakeres, executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association. “The CDC reinforces the risk of avian influenza to public health remains low.”
The spread of the virus also threatens local economies. Bowman said the virus especially has the potential to affect rural Ohio communities, where many people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
“When poultry farms are hit, the entire community feels it,” Bowman said. “If we don’t have birds to feed, we don’t need truck drivers or fuel or the other industries that support these farms.”
Producers are advised to increase their biosecurity protocols, stay watchful and reduce the possibility of cross-contamination between farms. Bowman said biosecurity measures may seem inconvenient but are essential.
This video highlights Ohio's potential challenges as avian influenza impacts the state's agricultural sectors. With rising egg prices and milk costs, the virus is causing ripple effects across the dairy, poultry, and grain industries.