H5N1 Mandatory Testing For Interstate Movement Of Dairy Cattle In Effect

Effective today, the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) federal order
requires mandatory testing for the interstate movement of dairy cattle.

The following information and direction are from the HPAI Detections in Livestock Page:

Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.

Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.

Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.

USDA-APHIS says these steps are immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, “while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.”

Mandatory Reporting Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.

Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA-APHIS.

USDA-APHIS will provide reimbursement for testing at NAHLN labs, including samples submitted for:
(1) dairy cattle suspected of disease due to clinical signs,
(2) pre-movement testing,
(3) producers interested in the disease status of their asymptomatic animals, and
(4) samples taken from other animals on dairies associated with this disease event.

USDA Now Requiring Mandatory Testing and Reporting of HPAI in Dairy Cattle as New Data Suggests Virus Outbreak is More Widespread

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