USDA

USDA mandates national milk testing to combat H5N1 in dairy herds

December 6, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a new federal order requiring nationwide testing of raw, unpasteurized milk to monitor and control the spread of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy herds. This initiative, part of the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), builds on previous efforts since the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024. The order mandates the collection and testing of milk samples from dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, and processing facilities. It also requires herd owners with positive cases to provide epidemiological data and mandates reporting of positive test results by private labs and state veterinarians. The first round of testing will begin the week of December 16, 2024, with six states initially participating: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. In the coming weeks, APHIS will work with each of the 48 contiguous states to participate in the program.

Source:

USDA. (2024, December 6). USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds. [Press release]. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/12/06/usda-announces-new-federal-order-begins-national-milk-testing