Animals and Livestock News provides timely information about the meat production and dairy industries, farm safety and animal health.
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![People changing boots before entering a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/barn-boots-biosecurity2.jpg?h=8e7dc6fd&itok=OvYLJKhW)
Livestock and poultry exhibitors are preparing their animals for local, county and state fair exhibitions. As H5N1 Influenza A infections have been interrupting production in poultry and dairy cattle farms, an Extension has guidance for exhibitors and exhibition decision-makers.
![An Extension educator and two women examine a model calf after a birthing simulation.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Joe-and-model-calf.jpg?h=f636bc82&itok=iFScV-fD)
Helga the Hereford, a full-size cow model, allows beef and dairy producers to practice critical skills and ask questions in a non-emergency, low-pressure situation before needing to use the skills on a live animal.
![Beef cattle walking into a pasture.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/beef.jpg?h=df2f57e9&itok=IMG7xHpU)
The USDA announced that initial testing of ground beef samples tested negative for H5N1. No virus fragments or whole virus were detected in the meat.
![Milk bottles.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/milk.jpg?h=d350c510&itok=KVy_I0Ym)
FDA testing reaffirms that pasteurization kills the H5N1 virus, and no live, infectious virus has been found in samples. They also tested powdered infant and toddler formulas, cottage cheese and sour cream.
Lactating dairy cattle from herds that have tested positive for Influenza A are not eligible for interstate movement for 30 days from the most recent collection of any sample that tests positive from any individual animal in the herd.
![Milk bottles.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/milk.jpg?h=d350c510&itok=KVy_I0Ym)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that grocery store milk has tested positive for H5N1 fragments. Retail milk study results indicate that the commercial milk supply is safe.
![Cows](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Dairy%20cows%20walking%202_screen.jpg?h=46946bb3&itok=gz9nkZpY)
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) issued a federal order requiring premovement testing for lactating dairy cattle crossing state lines beginning Monday, April 29, 2024.
![Dairy cows feeding in a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/dairy-cows-feeding.jpg?h=4005aca6&itok=WWQepfVc)
As we try to improve feed efficiency, it is useful to think about and minimize sources of energy loss from the animal.
![Herd of cattle grazing in an open field.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/grazing-beef.jpg?h=54acb3cc&itok=LQJOMDwl)
Human infections with avian influenza A viruses are uncommon but have occurred sporadically worldwide. If you are working directly with cattle that have tested positive or are suspected to be infected and you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please consult your physician.
![dairy cows feeding in head stalls in a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/dairy-cows-feeding-barn.jpg?h=2a202ce6&itok=bH19OF_g)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been found in two more states, Idaho and Michigan. The virus appears to have been introduced by wild birds. If your animals appear sick, contact your veterinarian.