There have been 2 updates on virus in cattle in recent weeks, with bird flu being found in cattle in the US for the first time and an update on Bluetongue in the UK. It is recommended that all livestock producers and those involved in the supply chain keep abreast of regulatory updates and put in place precautionary measures where applicable according to a risk assessment as well as having a fully prepared crisis management plan.
Key points are provided below.
Bird Flu in Cattle in US
The bird flu virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been detected in nearly three dozen dairy herds in eight states in America. The strain has been circulating in wild birds for decades and has shown up in other species but this is the first detection in ruminants.
So far the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that there are 12 infected dairy cattle herds in Texas, four in Kansas, eight in New Mexico, six in Michigan, two in Idaho and one each in Colarado, North Carolina, Ohio and South Dakota.
Inactive viral remnants have been found in grocery store milk. The strain was discovered in about 1 in 5 samples of grocery store milk, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the virus was inactivated by pasteurization. Raw, unpasteurized milk is not recommended for consumption. Testing of ground beef has so far indicated negative for the virus.
Tests also show the virus is spreading between cows, including those that don't show symptoms, and between cows and birds, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Dairy farm workers have been advised to consider extra precautions, such as masking, hand washing and changing work clothes.
One infected person is recorded, a dairy worker who contracted bird flu in Texas, where the virus has been spreading among cattle.
The most likely short term outcome will be logistics and supply chain issues and cost for food businesses supplied from affected areas. On 15th April, Colombia became the first country to restrict the importation of beef and beef products from U.S. states with infected herds. Another factor to consider may be consumer perception of safety.
Bluetongue in Cattle in UK
A viral threat closer to home for cattle is Bluetongue.
In an updated qualitative risk assessment, the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirm there is a very high probability of a new introduction of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) into livestock in Great Britain through infected biting midges being blown over from northern Europe. Biting midges are most active between April and November and the timing of a potential incursion will depend on the temperature and wind patterns.
Farmers should continue to be vigilant and monitor their animals frequently, whilst making sure their livestock and land is registered with APHA and that their contact details are updated so animals can be located in the event of an outbreak. More advice can be found on gov.uk.
Precautionary Measures – Have a Crisis Plan
A crisis of any kind be it via a virus, a contamination or pollution, bacteria, chemical or even radiation may have domestic, European or global repercussions for production, customers and supply chains. Latest legal publications | Mills & Reeve | Mills & Reeve (mills-reeve.com)
Precautionary and planning measures that should be considered are as follows:
- A full Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan should incorporate all major risks and seek to protect against them at vulnerable points within the supply, processing and distribution chain. This should be kept regularly updated to ensure that specific risks are reviewed and that protections and precautions, as far as possible and practical, are included and procedures updated accordingly.
- A company should have a detailed and up to date crisis management plan, listing key decision makers, experts and responsibilities. This should be regularly reviewed/tested and any recommendations implemented.
- The crisis management plan should be linked to a business continuity plan. Are there alternative supply locations for key ingredients? Alternative production facilities?
- Check withdraw/recall insurance policies and terms.
- Check contractual terms of supply and distribution agreements.
- Health and safety legislation obliges employers to provide a safe as reasonably practicable environment for staff and visitors; suitable risk assessments for employees and other persons affected by the work activities should be carried out and all reasonable precautionary measures implemented.
- Keep alert for hazards, particularly high risk scenarios and symptoms and be ready to respond according to your assessment of the risk ie, with bird flu poultry keepers are advised to watch for signs of disease, and maintain high levels of biosecurity at all times. If there are any concerns about the health of the poultry, seek prompt advice from veterinary experts.
- Keep abreast of new developments – legal, scientific and medical that may affect your product / assist you in protecting against risks and so protecting your customers, consumers and employees and ultimately your business/brand.
- Ensure best welfare conditions for animals.
- Follow government guidance and industry best practice.
Legislation, guidance and best practice
Guidance and best practice can be constantly evolving in a crisis. Also the different legislative requirements for different products and labelling. Farmers and food producers at all stages along the supply chain should ensure they are aware of the legislation and guidance that affects their business and check this regularly. Where supplies are affected it is important that, where necessary, changes to marketing are made and appropriately communicated.
As in any crisis, the priority of food safety and quality as well health and safety and the welfare of animals should be maintained.
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