Dairy H5N1: What We’ve Learned from Herd and Animal Level Testing in the Field
About the event
Washington State University Veterinary Medicine Extension
- Building connections between industry, producers, veterinarians, and students throughout the state of Washington.
- Our mission is to improve ag animal health and well-being today for our safety and well-being tomorrow.
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By analyzing field data collected from multiple dairy herds affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), this course examines some of the current understanding regarding HPAI testing in cattle, both at the herd and individual animal level. Proposed sensitivity and specificity of different test approaches will be considered, and discussed in light of ongoing national surveillance. The course will also provide updates on the research community’s current understanding of HPAI transmission in cattle, and impacts of the virus on dairy herd health and production.
PRESENTER: Chloe Stenkamp-Strahm DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Extension Veterinarian, Utah State University
Chloe Stenkamp-Strahm is an Assistant Professor and Extension Veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University. Her interests include studying zoonotic and foodborne diseases, and methods to improve disease surveillance, strengthen dairy health systems, and support evidence-based decision making at both farm and community levels. Since the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, she has participated in several field-based studies that aim to better understand viral transmission and herd and animal level risks of HPAI infection.
There are two types of avian influenza (AI) that are identified as H5N1. A difference exists in the virus classification; one is low pathogenic (LPAI) and the other is highly pathogenic (HPAI). Pathogenicity refers to the ability of the virus to produce disease. HPAI H5N1, often referred to as the “Asian” H5N1, is the type causing worldwide concern. LPAI H5N1, often referred to as the “North American” H5N1, is of less concern.