At the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Washington Watch Event, Farm Director KC Sheperd had the chance to visit with the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Ethan Lane. In this episode of Beef Buzz, Senior Farm, and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays is featuring comments from the conversation regarding HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in dairy cattle.
“I think the animal health officials have done a phenomenal job of keeping the industry updated,” Lane said. “We are five weeks into this thing now, and there have been regular updates. They have been consistent with their guidance. They are getting a lot of pressure, obviously, from all over the place to make sure it is safe, to make sure everything is as it should be, and to make sure the science is sound.”
New test requirements have gone into effect as of April 29th for HPAI in lactating dairy cows in interstate transport. Lane said these test requirements do not have an impact on the beef cattle industry, as this is a dairy-only issue.
“So far, science is leading us to a spot where we are not concerned about this being a beef industry issue,” Lane said. “This is a dairy industry issue. We are going to keep our eyes on it and make sure our producers are protected and monitor to see if it changes at any point.”
Lane said it is important that the public knows that HPAI is an animal health issue, not a consumer health issue, so dairy products are completely safe to consume. He also added that the fact that there has not been any widespread misinformation about this issue proves that the facts are being utilized well.
“The media has a real role to play here in getting the right part of the story out,” Lane said. “Basically, we have seen that.”
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
