7/12/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 6: Interview with California Farm Bureau's Steven Fenaroli on Avian Influenza Compliance

·23 min·2 clips

Stephen Fenaroli explains why avian influenza in dairy cattle is a unique and concerning situation for California farmers.

This episode of Farm Bureau Friday focuses on the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak, particularly its emergence in dairy cattle. Hosts Kristen Platts and Anna Genesee introduce guest Stephen Fenaroli, the Political Affairs Director for the California Farm Bureau, who also handles livestock and dairy policy. Fenaroli provides background on the outbreak, noting it follows migratory bird patterns and has been detected in over 100 herds across 12 states, uniquely impacting dairy cattle milk production. He immediately reassures listeners that the milk supply is safe due to pasteurization, countering sensational media reports. Fenaroli praises California's Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones for implementing early movement restrictions before federal USDA mandates, emphasizing a collaborative approach with producers. He discusses the challenges of balancing biosecurity measures with practical burdens on dairy farmers, including interstate cattle movements and enforcement at agricultural checkpoints. The conversation covers testing protocols, anonymity for producers with positive tests, and efforts to build trust. Fenaroli addresses human transmission risks, noting limited cases and California's provision of free PPE for dairy workers through the Department of Public Health, guided by CDC recommendations. He highlights Farm Bureau's role in disseminating information and advocating for policies that work for dairy operations. The episode wraps with Fenaroli recommending trusted sources like CDFA for updates and biosecurity resources, while the hosts plug the value of Farm Bureau membership for real-time issue monitoring. Throughout, the tone is educational and interview-based, with a focus on current status, precautions, and industry collaboration.

As heard by us

A practical look at how avian influenza policy reaches California dairy operations.

Stephen Fenaroli, Political Affairs Director for the California Farm Bureau, turns highly pathogenic avian influenza into a discussion about policy, timing, and trust, with a clear focus on how state decisions reach California dairy operations.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a measured look at HPAI in California dairy herds that keeps policy decisions tied to the farmers working through them.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The MyAgLife Podcast