Biosecurity and Health Checklists

Download: A Texas Dairy Farmer’s Guide to HPAI

This page is not a downloadable HPAI guide and does not carry official instructions. It explains in plain terms what highly pathogenic avian influenza means for dairy cattle and where to find current guidance.

What is HPAI and why does dairy care?

HPAI stands for highly pathogenic avian influenza, a virus best known in birds that has also been found in dairy cattle. It matters to dairies because it can affect herd health, milk production and movement of animals.

For current facts, go to USDA APHIS and the Texas Animal Health Commission. Rules and recommendations have changed over time, so do not rely on older summaries, including this one.

Because this is a fast-moving subject, treat this page as a starting point. If you read something alarming or reassuring, check it against an official source.

Check dates on everything you read. A recommendation from early in an outbreak may not reflect what agencies say now.

Watch for signs and call your vet

Signs reported in affected herds have included drops in milk, changes in appetite and altered milk appearance, but your vet is the right person to interpret what you see. Call early rather than waiting.

Keep records of milk yield by group and any unusual changes. Good records help your vet and officials respond fast.

Ask your vet what sampling or testing may apply to your herd and how results are reported. Understanding the process ahead of time lowers stress if it is ever needed.

Teach new hires the warning signs on day one, and repeat the lesson during the year.

Photographs and dated notes help your vet follow the progression of what you saw.

• Call your vet about unusual milk or appetite changes
• Isolate suspect animals
• Keep movement and visitor records
• Know the state reporting contact

Protect your herd and your people

Biosecurity limits spread. Control visitors, clean equipment and vehicles, keep wild birds away from feed and water and separate sick animals. Avoid sharing equipment between farms.

People handling sick animals or raw milk should use protective gear as recommended by health agencies. The CDC gives public health guidance, and the farm safety guide covers protective equipment.

Wild birds can carry the virus, so keep feed covered, fix leaks that create standing water and limit birds in cattle areas. Poultry on the same property add risk to consider.

Your vet may also advise on vaccination, testing or other measures, depending on the current guidance.

Milk safety and buyers

Pasteurized milk is the main safeguard in the supply, and the FDA explains its position and testing. Your buyer may have its own sampling and reporting rules, so ask what is expected.

Raw milk carries additional risks, and anyone selling or consuming it should check state rules and talk with a health professional.

Make sure employees know they can raise health concerns without losing pay or being blamed.

What to ask your buyer and your vet

Ask your buyer what they require for testing, how they handle a positive result and whether they offer support during an event. Ask your vet to review your biosecurity plan and tell you the two or three biggest gaps.

Write the answers down and share them with your crew. Practice the plan so that in a real event, everyone knows their job. Keep contact numbers current and posted in the milk house.

Fatigue and worry affect safety, so build in rest for key people where you can.

Taking care of yourself

An outbreak is stressful for owners and crews. Financial pressure and uncertainty can wear anyone down. If you are struggling, reach out to a friend, a doctor or call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Support is also available through Rural Health Information Hub resources. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Check back on official pages regularly, since recommendations can shift as new information comes in.

Staying informed

Sign up for alerts from the state animal health agency and your cooperative, and keep your vet's number handy. Your AgriLife Extension office is another source for local updates. The dairy herd guide covers general herd health practices.

Over at farm.FM the dairy section and news page follow industry developments, and a farm.FM story on avian influenza in dairy herds adds context.

Keep an eye on neighbors too. If someone seems overwhelmed, a phone call or a visit can make a real difference.

Sources and further reading

• USDA APHIS: animal and plant health
• Texas Animal Health Commission: animal disease rules
• CDC: public health
• FDA: food and drug safety
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
• Rural Health Information Hub: rural health resources

Ask locally: Call your herd veterinarian first, then the Texas Animal Health Commission, if you have questions about HPAI.