Seventeen states have placed restrictions on introduction of cattle from any of the eight states reporting bovine influenza-H5N1. Effective April 12th diagnosed cases (27) include Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, North Carolina, Michigan, and Ohio.
Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have issued recommendations based on application of elementary biosecurity to prevent spread and to limit extension to human contacts of cattle. The use of personal protective equipment is advised.
Recommendations by the WHO include enhanced surveillance with reporting of cases especially in unusual hosts through the World Animal Health Information System. Above all, the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) has counseled against implementing “unjustified trade restrictions and import bans” and has advocated adherence to WOAH international standards.”
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners has designated the infection as “Bovine Influenza-A” and has established a working group to cooperate with federal and state agencies and to develop biosecurity protocols.