Bird flu strikes again, this time devastating a Long Island duck farm. But why should dairy farmers care? This outbreak offers crucial lessons on biosecurity and disease management that could save your herd. Learn how H5N1 impacts the dairy industry and how you can protect your farm.

Summary:

A severe bird flu outbreak hit Crescent Duck Farm on Long Island, leading to the culling of 100,000 ducks and causing massive job losses and market disruption. This highlights the urgent need for strong biosecurity measures, mainly since the virus has spread to 930 dairy herds in 17 US states. In California alone, 712 farms have been affected, causing a 9.2% drop in milk production. Sick cows produce less milk because they devour less and tire. Improving biosecurity, isolating and treating sick cows rapidly, providing workers with protective gear, and regularly checking herd health are crucial to protect your farm. The industry is hopeful for new vaccines, but pasteurization remains effective at keeping store-bought milk safe. Dairy farmers should now review their disease prevention plans to safeguard their herds and livelihoods.

Key Takeaways:

• The H5N1 outbreak demonstrates the importance of biosecurity measures on farms.
• Dairy farmers face a significant impact, with 930 herds affected across the U.S.
• Proactive health monitoring and rapid response can safeguard herd health.
• Developing effective vaccines is crucial for both the poultry and dairy sectors.
• Commercial pasteurization ensures the safety of milk products during outbreaks.

A severe bird flu outbreak has struck Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, Long Island, necessitating the culling of 100,000 ducks. This event provides essential lessons for dairy farmers on disease control and farm management. 

The Outbreak 

On January 17, 2025, Crescent Duck Farm confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The farm, operating since 1908, must now euthanize all its birds to prevent the virus from spreading. 

Doug Corwin owns the farm and said, “It’s my legacy. We’re iconic, considering we are what Long Island was known for. And I don’t want it to end this way.”

Impact on the Farm 

Consequences of the outbreak include: 

• Job Losses: The farm had to lay off 47 out of 75 workers.
• Market Impact: The farm produces 3.5% of all ducks sold in the U.S.
• Uncertain Future: Clean-up will take 2-3 months, and the farm’s future is unclear.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, explained, “Unfortunately when you have a situation like this where you have a flock that’s infected, the remedy is to put the entire flock down.”

Why Dairy Farmers Should Care 

Reasons dairy farmers should care about this outbreak include: 

1. H5N1 in Cattle: The virus has also infected dairy cows. As of January 2025, 930 dairy herds in 17 states had H5N1, with 712 farms affected in California alone.
2. Milk Production Drop: Sick cows eat less, get tired quickly, and produce less milk. California has seen a 9.2% fall in milk output since late 2024 due to H5N1.
3. Biosecurity Importance: This case shows why strong disease prevention measures are crucial on all farms, including dairy ones.

Protecting Your Dairy Farm 

To protect your dairy farm, consider implementing the following lessons from this outbreak: 

1. Improve farm biosecurity measures
2. Quickly isolate and treat sick cows
3. Give workers proper protective gear
4. Check herd health often and report odd symptoms right away

Corwin learned that despite identifying and strengthening weaknesses, it was not enough.

Looking Ahead 

The poultry and dairy industries are looking forward to developing new vaccines to combat the spread of diseases. Corwin won’t restart his farm without a poultry vaccine, which is a concern dairy farmers might share. 

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) closely monitor the situation. They’ve confirmed that pasteurization kills H5N1 in raw milk, so commercial milk remains safe. 

Key Points to Remember 

• The H5N1 outbreak at Crescent Duck Farm led to the culling of 100,000 ducks and significant losses.
• 930 dairy herds across 17 U.S. states have H5N1 as of January 2025.
• Better biosecurity and possible vaccines offer hope for poultry and dairy farms.
• Pasteurization still kills H5N1 in raw milk, keeping store-bought milk safe.

The Bottom Line

This outbreak demonstrates the rapid spread and chaos caused by animal diseases. As a dairy farmer, staying vigilant and proactive in protecting your herd and livelihood is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to take decisive action now by carefully reviewing your farm’s disease prevention plan. 

Learn more:

• First Bird Flu Case in Iowa Dairy Herd: USDA Tightens Biosecurity Measures
• Bird Flu Hits Michigan Dairy Herd—Farmers Brace for Impact
• How the Poultry Industry’s Battle with Bird Flu Can Guide Dairy Farmers Amid Current Outbreak

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