Dairy testing for bird flu expanded in Canada

Glacier FarmMedia—Non-clinical dairy cattle can now be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza on the government’s dollar.

On June 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated their guidance for private veterinarians on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The update noted the expanded eligibility for testing, and that the CFIA would cover lab test fees at any Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab that is approved to test samples in domestic animals. The agency will not, however, pay veterinarian fees for sample collection or shipment to the lab.

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A milk sample is required for lactating dairy cattle and a nasal swab is necessary for non-lactating dairy cattle, the CFIA said.

Updated guidance also says that “for suspect case submissions, the private veterinarian is required to report negative test results back to the district office upon receipt.”

The CAHSN is a network of federal, provincial and university animal health laboratories across Canada. Its central reference lab operates from the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg. HPAI cases in dairy continue to be a concern in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s livestock infections dashboard reports 101 infected dairy farms since late March. Three dairy workers also testing positive for the virus over that time.

There have been no reports of the strain being found in Canadian dairy cattle.