MADISON, WI
Friday, July 26th, 2024
With the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) among United States dairy herds, industry organizations are taking action. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is one of them, which will offer three programs in the next three weeks designed to help the dairy industry proactively respond. These education sessions are open to anyone working in the dairy industry, regardless of their membership status with WCMA.
"Employee safety is always a top concern for dairy processors, and its importance has only grown as H5N1 has spread among dairy herds. WCMA is here to help, connecting the industry with experienced, trusted resources to help navigate an evolving situation,” said Rebekah Sweeney, Senior Director of Programs and Policy.
Two webinars and one workshop are scheduled for July and August, focused on pressing topics facing the dairy industry.
According to a press release, the sessions include:
- Free Webinar: H5N1 & Employee Safety - Join WCMA and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday, July 30 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (CT). This free, informative program will feature guest presenters Dr. Carrie Reed, Chief of the Prevention and Epidemiology Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division and Epidemiology Task Force and Lead for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases’ H5N1 Response efforts; and Dr. John Gibbins, Senior Veterinary Advisor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Office of Agriculture Safety and Health
- Free Webinar: H5N1 Food Safety Research & Regulatory Updates - Set for Tuesday, August 6 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (CT), this program features speaker Dr. Steven Grube, Chief Medical Officer in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
- Hybrid Workshop: Enhancing On-Farm Biosecurity Practices Amid H5N1 - Taking place on Tuesday, August 13, from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CT). Expert speakers include Dr. Doris Olander, Veterinary Medical Officer Epidemiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Dr. Keith Poulsen, Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin; and Karen Endres, Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Online participation for this session is free, and in-person registration costs just $25
Registration for all three offerings is available now here.
We will keep you up to date as we learn more about the situation.
