WCMA Workshop: Enhancing On-Farm Biosecurity Practices Amid H5N1 (Hybrid)

Join WCMA, federal partners, and industry experts on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CT) for a hybrid workshop on enhancing on-farm biosecurity practices amid the current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) among U.S. dairy herds.

Our program will include informative presentations on dairy farm biosecurity planning, resources available to support dairy farmers and processors, and a live Q&A session. Here's a look at our more detailed agenda with speakers; note all times are Central Daylight Time:

• 10:00 a.m.: Participant Check-In & Networking (In-Person Attendees Only)
• 10:30 a.m.: Welcome & Introductions, H5N1 Situation Report
  • Speaker: Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy
• 10:45 a.m.: USDA Recommendations for H5N1 Dairy Farm Biosecurity & Supporting Research
  • Speaker: Dr. Doris Olander, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Medical Officer Epidemiologist
• 11:45 a.m.: Lunch Break (In-Person Attendees Only)
• 12:30 p.m.: H5N1 Biosecurity in Practice: Overview of Sample Plan
  • Speaker: Dr. Keith Poulsen, DVM, DACVIM, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wisconsin
• 1:45 p.m.: Strategies to Identify Farmer Strain & Communicate Effectively
  • Speaker: Karen Endres, Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• 2:15 p.m.: Biosecurity Aid Opportunities
  • Speakers: Dr. Doris Olander and Danica Nilsestuen, WCMA Director of Grants & Business Programs
• 2:45 p.m.: Additional H5N1 Resources for Dairy Processors
  • Speaker: Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy
• 3:00 p.m.: Adjournment

Attendees may join the meeting in-person in Madison, Wisconsin or live online. This workshop is made possible in part by support from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between WCMA and the Center for Dairy Research.

WCMA is here to support you as the H5N1 outbreak evolves. For up-to-date information, visit WCMA's H5N1 resource webpage. If you have questions, please contact WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney at any time.