H5N1 in cattle

The discovery of H5N1 in cattle has put the dairy industry on alert as we work to maintain accurate communication with farmers, processors and others. We will continue to keep this space updated as the situation unfolds. Read below for important information and links to the most up-to-date information, or view our At A Glance flyer here.

USDA Federal Order on Interstate Movement

The USDA has issued guidance regarding required testing of lactating dairy cattle for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus prior to interstate movement. The rules, announced in a Federal Order, took effect on April 29 , 2024.

If you have specific concerns or questions, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state officials. (Scroll to the bottom for a list.)

Links to resources:

The Federal Order

Requirements/Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements for Interstate Movement

Nonlactating dairy cattle — including heifers, dry cows and bull calves — are not subject to testing for interstate movement.

Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs of the virus are ineligible for interstate movement or movement to slaughter. Cattle without signs of the virus must meet the federal requirements as well as state-specific guidance.

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

Sample Collection and Testing for Interstate Premovement Testing of Lactating Dairy Cattle

For groups/lots of 30 or fewer animals moving interstate, all animals being moved must be tested. If more than 30 animals are moving interstate, then only 30 animals total must be tested.
Sample collection and testing must take place no more than seven days prior to movement.
Samples for interstate premovement testing need to be submitted to an NAHLN lab for testing.
USDA will reimburse producers/submitters for all interstate premovement testing at NAHLN labs. At this time, USDA is not reimbursing for sample collection or shipping.

Cattle Moved Directly to Slaughter

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 or other documentation of movement approved by the sending and receiving state animal health officials and provided to the sending and receiving state animal health officials.
Lactating dairy cattle with signs of the virus are ineligible for movement to slaughter.

Cattle Moved to Sale Barns

The Federal Order does not apply to the in-state movement of a lactating dairy cow to a sale barn. Subsequent interstate movement from a sale barn directly to a slaughter facility requires only a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection stating that the animal is clinically healthy; no testing is necessary.

Cattle With Positive Test Results

Lactating dairy cattle from herds that have tested positive for the virus are not eligible for interstate movement for 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 before movement.
Specific circumstances for isolating test-positive cattle and moving to another premises across state lines would need to be discussed and agreed upon with the respective state animal health officials and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Biosecurity Measures

Producers should implement enhanced biosecurity practices for keeping disease off farms and controlling disease spread on the farm. The Secure Milk Supply Plan is a collaborative initiative among the dairy industry, USDA, state officials and three universities. The Secure Milk Supply website offers comprehensive materials on dairy biosecurity practices, including posters and information sheets in English and Spanish. Additional resources can be found here:

Biosecurity - National Dairy FARM Program

Biosecurity for cattle operations | UMN Extension

Farm Biosecurity - CFSPH (iastate.edu)

More information: