H5N1 interview: Maggie Baldwin, DVM, on Colorado’s testing mandate

Colorado has issued a new mandate, effective July 22, 2024, requiring all licensed dairy farms in the state to submit weekly bulk-tank samples for testing. The order is meant to identify and isolate instances of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and prevent further spread of the virus in the state’s dairy and poultry farms.

Colorado is currently the most affected state in terms of confirmed HPAI cases in both livestock herds and spillover cases to humans. State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin said in an interview with Reuters that the mandate was triggered by the loss of 70% of the state’s laying hens due to the outbreak.

“We really said what we’re doing right now is not effective and we need to change strategy,” she explained.

The American Dairy Science Association reached out to Baldwin for more context as the situation develops.

1.?????? Colorado is now gathering weekly bulk-tank tests from all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment–licensed dairies. What do you think this influx of data will demonstrate for Colorado and for dairy professionals around the US?

"This new surveillance approach will help us identify the presence of HPAI early and implement measures to further mitigate the spread of the virus. We hope this collaborative approach between dairies and state agencies will allow us to more quickly and effectively address any issues and concerns."

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2.?????? What questions about HPAI do we imagine this level of testing might help the dairy science community answer?

"This will help dairy operators and state agencies to monitor the level of virus present, better understand the infection potential, and implement measures to further mitigate the spread of the virus.? Accurate, consistent information gathering enables all partners to make informed decisions when supporting dairy operations."

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3.?????? To date, the USDA has required testing for lactating dairy cows crossing state lines and launched a voluntary pilot program to test bulk-milk supplies. What has Colorado learned through this process to date that may be useful for other states to hear?

"This testing will help Colorado achieve the necessary data to better understand risk and transmission of disease. Because this approach utilizes the existing testing infrastructure through the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance program it is much less burdensome for the producers and state resources."

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