USDA issues interstate transport testing, reporting order for H5N1 in dairy cattle

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will require testing for the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle crossing state lines. Any detection of the disease must also be reported. The following measures go into effect April 29:

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for the 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.
• A positive test would prohibit animals from being moved during a 30-day waiting period and until they test negative.

USDA says forthcoming guidance will be released, but these steps will be 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.

USDA will also require labs and state veterinarian offices to start mandatory reporting of Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results, which is PCR or genetic sequencing, in livestock. Previously, H5N1 in livestock was not a reportable disease.

APHIS will provide reimbursement for testing at National Animal Health Laboratory Network 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.

As we reported in “First Thing Today” this morning, FDA found H5N1 virus particles in some samples of pasteurized milk. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said milk with the H5N1 particles came from asymptomatic dairy cows. He also reiterated the U.S. milk supply is safe “based on the information we currently have available.”