(HLS.ca/virden)

Flu outbreak sees buyers balk at beef futures

Cash prices fairly level; beef producers should look into risk management tools, analysts say

Markets have seen cattle futures (mainly live and fed) decline in recent weeks as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain made its way into dairy herds in six states to date. The good news, said a cattle auction leader and market expert, is that cash prices have remained more-or-less steady amid the chaos.





(MartineDoucet/E+/Getty Images)

Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention

Farmers should identify unusual signs of disease in cattle and have them examined by a veterinarian

An emerging disease syndrome was originally identified in dairy cows in Texas. These cows were identified by animal care workers and veterinarians as having the main clinical signs of reduced milk production and decreased feed intake. Approximately 10 per cent of the cows seem to show clinical signs on affected farms. No deaths occurred and cows seemed to recover with supportive care within two to three weeks. However, loss of milk production was significant. These same farms reported deceased wild birds on their properties.