The Wyoming Department of Agriculture announced on June 7 that highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in one of Wyoming’s dairy herds. Wyoming marks the 12th state with a reported case of the virus since the first confirmed case in March 2024. HPAI has now been detected in more than 80 herds nationwide.
According to federal officials, the threat of the disease in humans remains low, and consuming pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat is safe. However, the economic impact of the disease in dairy herds can be significant.
Wyoming State Veterinarian Hallie Hasel says, “The primary concern with this diagnosis (HPAI) is on-dairy production losses, as the disease has been associated with decreased milk production.” The immediate reduction in milk production has negative consequences for the farm’s revenue.
Economic estimates from Michigan State University Extension provide insight from a dairy producer in Michigan whose herd was infected with HPAI. Daily milk production decreased about 5 pounds during the first nine days of infection. By day 12 of the infection, each cow was producing about 21 pounds less than average. This equates to approximately $4.31 in losses for each animal daily, assuming a milk price of $20.50 per hundredweight.
The MSU Extension report can be found at www.bit.ly/hpai-report.
