Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as the “bird flu,” continues to spread across the U.S., with concerns recently elevated over a confirmed case in a human who was exposed to infected dairy cattle. To address the spread of HPAI H5N1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA’s APHIS) has issued a federal order that requires testing of dairy cows for the virus, as well as mandatory reporting.
Effective April 29, 2024, the federal order requires mandatory testing of dairy cattle at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory prior to the interstate movement of the cows. 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.