Feeding Poultry Litter to Cattle Raises Disease Concerns
The practice of feeding poultry litter, which includes manure, feathers, and other waste materials, to livestock has become commonplace but raises concerns about disease transmission. The recent outbreak of avian flu in dairy cows across the Midwest has prompted closer examination of this practice, as the source of infection remains unclear.
Poultry litter has been associated with previous disease outbreaks, including botulism. However, the federal government and many states do not regulate the use of poultry litter in animal feed, and regulations vary widely. Only California prohibits feeding poultry litter to lactating dairy cows.
Experts urge caution and recommend that poultry litter not be fed to dairy or beef cattle within 21 days of slaughter to minimize the risk of contamination.
Poultry Litter: A Waste Management Solution
For cattle farmers, poultry litter provides a cheap source of protein feed. For poultry farmers, it offers a way to divert waste from landfills or incineration.
Historical Concerns and Current Regulations
In the 1980s, concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) led to a ban on feeding cattle-derived products to poultry in Europe. However, the FDA mandates the removal of tissues known to carry prions from poultry diets, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Poultry Litter and Antibiotic Resistance
A 2019 study found that poultry litter used as fertilizer on farm fields contained E. coli strains resistant to multiple antibiotics. However, poultry litter feed used in California is kiln-heated to kill bacteria and viruses.
Monitoring and Testing
Poultry is regularly tested for bird flu, and poultry waste from infected flocks cannot leave the premises until it meets California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) requirements to ensure virus elimination. Cattle herds with symptoms consistent with bird flu infections can be tested at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in consultation with the CDFA Animal Health Branch.
Conclusion
The feeding of poultry litter to cattle is a common practice but raises concerns about disease transmission. Regulations vary widely, and experts recommend caution and proper disposal of poultry litter to minimize the risk of contamination.
