Overcoming herd health challenges
In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as the avian flu (H5N1) or more simply as the bird flu, was first detected on a dairy farm in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to more than 10 states and has infected over 145 herds. The spread of HPAI can occur both directly (animal to animal) and indirectly (through contaminated equipment, material handling, migratory bird species, farm personnel and other avenues).
Signs that your herd may be impacted by HPAI:
- Decreased feed intake
- Drop in rumination
- Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tenting, lethargy)
- Respiratory distress
- Reduced milk production
- Abnormal appearance of milk (thickened and/or discolored)
- Increase in milk conductivity, increased somatic cell counts
Why is hydration crucial:
Animals infected with H5N1 or other illnesses typically consume less feed and water; leading to dehydration. Dehydration alone can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can further result in numerous physiological challenges. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining cellular function and overall health and performance. Rehydration with electrolyte supplementation becomes of paramount importance to support recovery.
For the dairy cow, total body water content is about 65% of their body weight. Of this total body fluid, about 2/3 is contained within cells and the remaining third is found in the soft tissue compartments, digestive and vascular systems. Combined, these body systems and cells carry and distribute nutrients, along with disease fighting cells and compounds, to maintain balance.
Supporting sick animals:
Key to mitigating the negative physiological impact on animals begins with nutritional support. Bovine BlueLite® is chock-full of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium to name a few. Added energy sources come from dextrose, sucrose, fructose and more. Bovine BlueLite contains betaine, an osmolyte that helps to maintain cell volume and fluid balance thereby helping improve protein synthesis, cell division and maintain gut integrity. And finally, Bovine BlueLite is vitamin-fortified with antioxidants necessary for combatting toxins.
Bovine BlueLite:
- High potassium electrolyte for quick physiological replacement
- Highly palatable and buffered electrolyte formulated for dehydration
- Contains multiple energy sources
- Easy-to-administer for individual or whole herd treatments
Step up farm biosecurity:
Along with providing nutritional support, you should consider implementing biosecurity protocols to help minimize the spread. The following are recommendations from the National Milk Production Federation (NMPF):
- Limit movement of cattle
- Quarantine new cattle
- Delay or stop non-essential visitors
- Limit vehicles and equipment
- Clean and disinfect equipment
- Follow good milking practices
- Isolate sick animals
- Avoid feeding raw milk to other animals (i.e. calves and other farm animals)
For further information and additional resources, visit the NMPF website here.
Maintaining hydration, electrolyte balance, and getting cows back on feed is crucial for supporting recovery during any period of challenge. TechMix products help you manage and support your herd in preparation of and during challenge events including an HPAI outbreak.
