Following several media reports alleging that the use of dried poultry litter in dairy cattle diets has caused the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus to spread on dairy farms, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) this week released statements questioning these claims.
In addition, NCC Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Ashley Peterson noted, “We are not allowed to move litter off a farm that has a positive flock – period. Litter is composted and must be free of the virus which is confirmed by USDA testing. It is not until the house, the litter, and anything else on an infected farm tests negative and goes through a fallow period before movement of anything off a farm can occur.”
The FDA has stated that it is “not aware of any data showing that the use of poultry litter in cattle feed is posing human or animal health risks that warrant restrictions on its use.”
“While it is theoretically possible, it is very unlikely the illness was spread through animal feed,” said Austin Therrell, AAFCO executive director. “It is important to share some insight into the important food safety protocols that are in place to make this accusation highly unlikely.
“The AAFCO Ingredient Definition Request Process is extremely rigorous and transparent. It includes a scientific review by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, as well as approval from a majority of state regulators. This regulatory pathway takes into account many potential food safety hazards to ensure that ingredients that gain approval can be safely and effectively marketed for use in animal food in the U.S.”
AAFCO’s full statement can be found here.
AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman reiterated the following, “U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed that based on what they know today, ‘wild migratory birds are believed to be the original source of the virus’ in dairy cattle, and their staff are further investigating cases where it has spread between herds through cattle movements or into nearby poultry premises.”
AFIA’s full statement can be found here.
