Herd Health & Management

May 23, 2024

• Support biosecurity planning and implementation. 
• Reimburse producers for veterinary costs associated with sample collection for H5N1 testing.
• Offset shipping costs for influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

April 24, 2024

In order to continue to monitor and understand the extent of this virus and reduce the risk of further disseminating HPAI H5N1 virus, resulting in greater threats to poultry and livestock, this Federal Order requires the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024.

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

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. 

• Samples are to be collected by an accredited veterinarian, or a state licensed veterinarian, or a sample collector approved by the appropriate state animal health official. Designated individuals on production sites can be trained to collect milk samples and nasal swab samples for diagnostic testing. this testing at NAHLN laboratories will be completed at no cost to the producer/submitter. At this time, APHIS is not reimbursing for sample collection or shipping.
• Lactating dairy cattle from herds which have tested positive for Influenza A are not eligible for interstate movement for thirty (30) days from the most recent collection of any sample that tests positive from any individual animal in the herd. After the 30-day period, animals must be tested again for movement.
• Nonclinical lactating dairy cattle moving interstate direct to slaughter are not required to have a premovement test but must move on a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI/health certificate). If cattle are moving to a livestock auction market in the same state as the dairy farm of origin, that is not interstate movement and no testing or CVI is required by the federal order.

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.

Testing Reimbursement

Reimbursement for testing at NAHLN labs, including samples submitted for dairy cattle suspected of disease due to clinical signs, pre-movement testing, testing conducted for producers interested in the disease status of their asymptomatic animals, and samples taken from other animals on dairies associated with this disease event. 

New York State Producers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for further guidance on testing and reporting requirements. Links to USDA resources specific to this Federal Order can be found below.