The American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) issued a position statement on bovine influenza on April 22^nd.  The release urges an immediate regulatory and industry response.

The AAAP notes the “narrow focus of testing restricted to lactating dairy cows that are moved interstate”.  It was suggested that surveillance should be intensified with specific reference to control areas surrounding positive herds.

The AAAP identified the absence of a national risk-based strategy incorporating scientific and epidemiologic principles that could be applied to reduce the spread of bovine influenza-H5N1.  Control strategies should incorporate a consideration of potential reservoir hosts including avian and mammalian species.

In the opinion of the AAAP, the USDA-APHIS has failed to investigate (or publish) pathways of transmission and risk factors despite emergence of H5N1 infection in the dairy industry as early as February 2024.  This negligence parallels the situation in commercial poultry and free-living birds.

As with poultry, it is evident that an effective vaccine, or series of vaccines, will be required to suppress and control infection.  Accordingly, it will be incumbent on USDA to establish trade agreements that will allow the limited use of H5 vaccine (in cattle as well as poultry) without compromising trade conducted in accordance with World Organization of Animal Health guidelines.

The AAAP emphasized the need for upgraded laboratory capability and resources necessary to maintain a program of surveillance and management of a comprehensive national vaccination program.  The Association urges federal funding for dedicated personnel and laboratory installations and equipment to initiate and sustain a control program consistent with an economically significant infection with a potential zoonotic implication.