American association calls for HPAI name change

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) has decided to refer to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV).

Although caused by the same virus as HPAI, the disease presents differently in cattle compared to poultry, which is why the AABP has requested the name change.

In the letter, the AABP says it “does not believe that this disease should be referenced as ‘HPAI in cattle’ or ‘bird flu in cattle’ due to these differences.”

Clinical signs in affected cattle include:

• Decreased milk production
• Acute sudden drop in production
• Decrease in feed consumption
• Abnormal feces
• Fever

There have been no confirmed deaths in cattle due to this disease, and they appear to recover within one to three weeks with supportive care.

Although HPAI is not common, veterinarians are urging producers to stay vigilant in looking for signs to protect both animals and the industry. As of April 9, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not reported any positive tests for HPAI in Canadian livestock, other than poultry.

The risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low, and pasteurized cow’s milk and milk products remain safe to consume.

Resources:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock | CFIA
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock | United States Department of Agriculture
• Standards and Practices | Canadian Cattle Association
• Biosecurity | Beef Cattle Research Council