Strategies to Protect Dairy Production Amid Avian Influenza Outbreaks
As highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) continues to pose significant challenges to dairy herds across the Midwest and western United States, researchers at the University of Vermont (UVM) are proactively evaluating strategies to safeguard dairy production within the New England milkshed. This critical region encompasses all farms supplying milk to dairy processors in New England, including those located in eastern New York.
Under the leadership of Dr. Julie Smith, a veterinarian and research professor in UVM’s Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, this regionalization project seeks to define protective boundaries designed to mitigate the spread of disease through livestock and dairy product movements. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including dairy farmers, cooperatives, veterinarians, and regulatory officials, ensuring a comprehensive approach to disease management.
Workshop Invitation for Stakeholders
To assess the feasibility of establishing a regional protection zone, UVM is inviting stakeholders to participate in a one-day interactive workshop titled:
Event: Drawing the Line in the New England Milkshed: Regional Zoning for Dairy Industry Preparedness
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online Zoom meeting
Registration: Register Here
Dairy producers within the milkshed who attend the workshop will have the opportunity to receive a stipend as a token of appreciation for their participation.
This workshop serves as a platform for industry members to evaluate the practicality of a regionalization strategy in response to foreign animal disease outbreaks. Participants will have the chance to discuss pressing concerns, provide input on zoning strategies, and contribute to actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing industry preparedness.
Preparation and Community Engagement
In advance of the workshop, Dr. Smith is spearheading a series of community meetings within the dairy sector to identify communication challenges that arise during disease outbreaks. The insights gathered from these discussions will play a pivotal role in shaping an emergency communications framework tailored for the milkshed. Summaries of these community dialogues can be accessed at this link.
This initiative is not only timely but also aligns with global animal health standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Additionally, it enjoys support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). For those seeking further details about the regionalization project, additional information is available at this link.
The Importance of Regional Preparedness
In an era where agricultural production is increasingly vulnerable to disease outbreaks, the importance of regional preparedness cannot be overstated. The avian influenza virus poses not only a direct threat to poultry but also has the potential to impact other sectors, including dairy farming. By establishing protective regional boundaries and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the UVM initiative aims to bolster the resilience of the New England dairy industry against such threats.
Through proactive engagement, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of strategic zoning plans, the dairy sector can enhance its preparedness and response capabilities in the face of foreign animal diseases. The upcoming workshop represents a vital opportunity for dairy producers to contribute to this essential dialogue, ensuring that collective efforts can effectively safeguard the integrity and sustainability of dairy production in the New England milkshed.
In conclusion, the ongoing research and collaborative efforts led by UVM exemplify a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on regional preparedness, the initiative not only aims to protect livestock but also to ensure the long-term viability of the dairy industry in New England.
