Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) perform customized outreach by visiting with farmers one-on-one. Farmers can sign up for these visits as a proactive measure to protect themselves against drug residues or a farmer may be contacted for a visit as a result of a drug residue violation in tissue or milk. Their visit with the OVET consists of a discussion about on-farm practices, including drug use and treatment protocols and customized recommendations for what farmers can consider to improve drug residue prevention practices on their farms. Connect with one of the contacts listed on this page to set up a visit!

Please note - OVETs are not meant to replace the farm veterinarian, but rather to help strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) by identifying potential problem areas for the farmer to discuss with his/her veterinarian.

Outreach is also carried out at events and through other avenues that allow communication with many people at once. You may see the DRPP team at conferences, state and county fairs, teaching 4-H and FFA participants, and teaching students anywhere from elementary school all the way up to graduate level courses. Additionally, we are expanding efforts to educate people virtually through development of online trainings and videos! Check out the MDA Events Calendar to look for upcoming events with the DRPP team.

Yes! Veterinarians are required to attend continuing education courses to make sure they stay up-to-date on current veterinary practices. Outreach veterinarians (OVETs) work with practicing veterinarians throughout the state of Minnesota to improve their knowledge, specifically on why drug residues are happening in the field. This, in turn, helps veterinarians guide their clients on how to use drugs appropriately on their farms. OVETs meet with veterinarians one-on-one, in-person, and also attend conferences or other events that would allow for interaction and conversation on the topic.

Yes! We have printable fact sheets, record-keeping booklets, signs, and more. Visit Drug Residue Prevention Resources for our producer resource libraries. Many of these resources were developed as a result of talking with farmers about their needs in the field. If you are looking for resources, have a suggestion on how to improve an existing resource, or have an idea for a new resource, please reach out to one of the contacts listed on this page!

Biosecurity will be the most effective method to protect your animals. Minimize access of wild birds to cattle and their environment.

• Manage the movement of cattle and their transport as much as possible.
• Do not feed unpasteurized colostrum or milk to calves, cattle, or other mammals.
• Implement precautions for caretakers and veterinary teams handling sick cows, sick or dead birds, small mammals, and unpasteurized milk.
• Separate (quarantine) all new or returning animals for at least 21 days.
• Contact your herd veterinarian if increased cow illness is observed in your herd, specifically in second lactation or greater cows that are 150 days or more in milk.

Wild birds, wild animals, poultry, dairy cattle, and newborn goats have tested positive for H5N1 in Minnesota.

Infections in cattle have been traced back to infected wild birds. Research is continuing on the transmission route between animals. The newborn goat kids that were diagnosed in Minnesota shared a water source with infected poultry that had been depopulated at the same site.

Sick cattle are typically isolated and recover. Depopulation of cattle is not recommended. Milk from sick cows is diverted from the food supply. Pasteurized milk is safe to drink.

Federal funding is possible for pre-movement testing of lactating cattle through the information below:

• USDA Support for Dairy Herd Producers
• USDA Support Options for Dairy Herd Producers

Minnesota Department of Agriculture communicates and works closely with the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and industry partners to share information and develop plans to be best prepared.

Wear clean boots or boot covers, clean clothing, wearing disposable gloves, and safety goggles. For additional guidance see the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health.

• Poultry questions should be directed to the Minnesota Avian Influenza hotline 1-833-454-0156.
• The Department of Natural Resources is addressing sick and dead wild bird reports, contact local DNR wildlife staff or the DNR information center at 888-646-6367.
• Any other diseases contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health: 651-296-2942 or your district veterinarian (business hours).
• Human health questions can be directed to the Minnesota Department of Health: call 651-201-5414.
• Milk and food safety concerns can be directed to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6300.
• Biosecurity Assessments and deterrent options are available through the USDA APHIS wildlife services: Jason Gilsdorf or any wildlife services personnel for assistance at 612-271-5119 or Jason.M.Gilsdorf@usda.gov

According to the CDC, human infections with avian influenza A viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. Raw milk from infected cattle can carry the virus and make people sick. People should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked foods, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or raw milk products, from animals with suspected or confirmed Avian Influenza A (H5N1) infection.