Untangling the mysterious transmission of avian influenza between dairy cattle and poultry stands as one of today's most pressing One Health challenges. Two researchers from The Ohio State University, Dr. Scott Kenney and PhD candidate Carolyn Lee, take us deep into their research in this area.

Their research reveals that just 10 viral particles can establish an infection in dairy cattle, multiplying to 700 billion particles in milk within mere days. As Dr. Kenney explains, a single infected dairy herd could theoretically produce enough virus "to kill every chicken in the world 17 million times." These astronomical quantities help explain why containing spread has proven so difficult.

What makes this outbreak particularly unusual is how the virus behaves differently in cattle than in birds. While avian influenza typically causes severe respiratory disease in poultry, in cattle it primarily targets the mammary gland. Infected cows don't cough or show traditional flu symptoms – instead, they experience dramatic drops in milk production while continuing to shed massive viral loads. Surprisingly, when the researchers housed chickens and infected cattle together, transmission didn't occur, suggesting farm-to-farm spread likely happens through contaminated objects rather than air.

The conversation takes a critical turn toward biosecurity practices on dairy and poultry farms. As we face the unprecedented reality of two separate avian influenza introductions into U.S. dairy herds in a single year, the researchers emphasize the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, strict biosecurity measures, and continued research into potential vaccines.

Your hosts for this episode of ONE Health Live are Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding of Global Farm View.

What happens when the world's most traded meat faces a potential unprecedented global health crisis? The International Poultry Council's Secretary General Nicolo Cinotti joins hosts Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding to tackle the complex intersection of avian influenza, international trade, and food security.

The conversation delves deep into the critical role of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in establishing science-based standards that enable safe global trade while protecting animal health. Founded in 1924—predating even the World Health Organization—WOAH provides the regulatory framework that underpins international poultry commerce and disease control efforts worldwide.

Vaccination emerges as the most hotly debated topic in global poultry health today. As Cinotti explains, "How, where, when, with what expectation and, above all, in which way the strategy should be implemented is still a set of questions that await univocal answers." This highlights the tension between necessary disease control and maintaining vital food supply chains. The discussion explores how an effective response requires both rigorous prevention through enhanced biosecurity and thoughtful preparedness through scenario planning.

Perhaps most compelling is the call for a fundamental shift in how we approach global health challenges: "Infectious diseases do not recognize border nor political administrations." This reality demands unprecedented cooperation between public and private sectors. The International Poultry Council exemplifies this collaborative approach by working directly with WOAH to develop practical solutions that balance health protection with food security concerns. As climate change and globalization intensify disease pressures, these partnerships will be increasingly essential for protecting both animal welfare and human nutrition worldwide.

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Veterinarians are finding themselves at a fascinating crossroads where animal health meets nutrition science. Dr. Sara Linneen, Beef Technical Consultant with Elanco, dives into this evolving landscape where veterinarians are increasingly becoming trusted advisors on cattle nutrition, especially in cow-calf operations where dedicated nutritionists may be scarce.

The conversation reveals practical approaches to answering common nutritional questions that veterinarians face. Dr. Linneen walks through the step-by-step process of determining cattle nutrient requirements using cooperative extension resources, then calculating actual nutrient delivery by analyzing feed composition and intake. Her mathematical approach transforms complex nutritional concepts into actionable insights that veterinarians can immediately apply.

Perhaps most illuminating is the discussion around selecting the "best" feed or mineral options. Dr. Linneen dispels the myth of a one-size-fits-all solution, emphasizing instead how each operation's unique resources, labor constraints, and production goals must shape recommendations. She provides a framework for evaluating supplements on a pound-per-nutrient basis to ensure true cost-effectiveness. The episode also tackles the often-confusing world of medicated feed labels, offering guidance on finding, interpreting, and applying this critical information correctly.

The data point that 20% of cow-calf operations are consulting veterinarians with nutrition questions underscores the significance of this trend. While encouraging veterinarians to expand their nutritional knowledge, Dr. Lineen advocates for continued collaboration with formally trained nutritionists, creating partnerships that benefit the entire production system. This holistic approach represents the future of cattle care – where health, nutrition, and management converge to enhance efficiency and sustainability across the beef industry.

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