From drought to animal drug labeling, a selective dry cow therapy survey and WIC program benefits, this Weekly Digest covers a variety of news affecting dairy producers this week.
- U.S. drought area returns to spring 2020 amount
- AABP declares 2024 dairy cattle disease to be bovine influenza A virus (BIAV)
- ‘Approved by FDA’ mandatory on animal drugs
- Dairy producers asked to participate in selective dry cow therapy survey
- Kerry Dairy Ireland joins GDT auction
- WIC participants disagree with USDA cuts to milk and dairy benefits
- Creamery updates
U.S. drought area returns to spring 2020 amount
In a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the amount of the country experiencing drought had decreased to around 18% by the end of March. This is down from 20% at the end of February and 36% at the beginning of winter.
“This is the least amount of drought across the country since May 2020,” the report read.
In addition, only 1% of the country is experiencing extreme and exceptional drought.
AABP declares 2024 dairy cattle disease to be bovine influenza A virus (BIAV)
In a letter to the industry, the American Association of Bovine Practioners (AABP) announced it will call the emerging disease affecting dairy cattle the bovine influenza A virus (BIAV).
The virus isolated from affected animals in herds matching the clinical syndrome was originally identified as avian influenza virus Type A H5N1 on March 25.
While the virus causes highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds, AABP said the syndrome does not result in the same high morbidity and mortality in cattle as it does in birds.
“The AABP does not believe that this disease should be referenced as ‘HPAI in cattle’ or ‘bird flu in cattle’ due to these differences,” it said in the letter.
From now on, AABP will use BIAV in its messaging and resources regarding this disease syndrome in cattle and encourages other organizations, state animal health officials, diagnostic labs and state and federal agencies to do the same.
‘Approved by FDA’ mandatory on animal drugs
In an update to stakeholders and a separate letter to veterinarians, the FDA said the statement “Approved by FDA” is mandatory on most labeling components for approved animal drugs.
As required by amendments in the Animal Drug User Fee Act and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act of 2018, the labeling statement is intended to help veterinarians, food animal producers, pet owners and others clearly identify approved animal drugs and distinguish them from unapproved ones.
The FDA’s approval ensures that the drug is safe and effective for its intended use, properly labeled and manufactured according to current good manufacturing practices for animal drugs.
Dairy producers asked to participate in selective dry cow therapy survey
A research team at the University of California – Davis is conducting a survey on milk quality and antimicrobial usage during dry-off.
They are inviting dairy producers from across the country to share their insights and experiences on anitmicrobial usage and influencing decision-making factors for selective dry cow therapy.
Producers can click here to participate in the survey.
The survey should take approximately eight to 10 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential and used only for research purposes. Upon completion of the survey, dairy producers have the option to enter their email for a drawing for one of 20 $50 gift cards.
Kerry Dairy Ireland joins GDT auction
Kerry Dairy Ireland is joining Global Dairy Trade (GDT) events this month, offering SMP medium heat.
Kerry Dairy Ireland CEO Pat Murphy said, “We are pleased to be partnering with GDT to help provide high-quality dairy solutions and deliver sustainable nutrition globally. Joining GDT provides us with access to a worldwide pool of active buyers – aligning with our strategic aspirations to create a world of sustainable nutrition.”
WIC participants disagree with USDA cuts to milk and dairy benefits
Ahead of the USDA’s release of a final rule revising the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food package, a survey was conducted among 815 WIC participants to gauge their reaction to the proposed rule.
The new Morning Consult poll, commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), showed a staggering four-in-five WIC participants (79%) are concerned with the USDA proposal that could cut the food and nutrition benefits of nearly 6 million mothers and children under the age of 5.
Roughly one-third (34%) were unsure if they would re-enroll in the program following the proposed cuts.
The new poll showed that dairy foods, purchased by 83% of respondents, are the most popular foods provided in the WIC food package.
In December 2022, the USDA proposed changes to the food provided to these beneficiaries. IDFA estimates that the USDA’s proposal for the updated WIC food package would reduce the amount of dairy up to 6 quarts per month for pregnant participants and others.
Creamery updates
- Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon announced the appointment of Philippe Bongrain as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Prior to joining Rogue Creamery, Bongrain served as the CEO of República del Cacao, a renowned premium chocolate producer based in Ecuador with a global presence in over 20 countries.
- Tillamook County Creamery Association president and chief executive officer Patrick Criteser announced he plans to step down later this year. David Booth, currently the executive vice president of brand growth and commercialization at Tillamook, has been selected as the next CEO and president of this Oregon-based cooperative.
