High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle
Guidance for Dairy Cattle Producers during H5N1 Outbreak
Updated April 27, 2024
Effective April 29, 2024, all lactating dairy cattle are required to test negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) prior to interstate movement, per the Federal Order from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Nonlactating dairy cattle, including heifers, dry cows and bull calves, are not currently subject to testing for interstate movement due to their risk profile. Lactating dairy cows consigned to a sale barn in Nevada for subsequent interstate movement to a slaughter facility do not require a negative test.
Any positive detections of Influenza A must be reported to the NDA State Veterinarian at diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov and APHIS at HPAI.Results@usda.gov.
As of April 27, 2024, detections of H5N1 in dairy cattle have not been reported in Nevada. This is an evolving situation, and requirements are subject to change with minimal notice. Please continue to monitor your email and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) for up-to-date information.
Travel
Dairy cattle traveling into Nevada
The NDA has updated entry requirements in compliance with the USDA Federal Order. A negative test result for Influenza A virus from an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab is required and must be documented on a Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) for all lactating dairy cattle within seven (7) days prior to movement. Dairy producers should work with their veterinarian to arrange for testing prior to transport. Samples for testing must be collected by an accredited veterinarian. Nonlactating dairy cattle are not currently required to be tested for interstate movement.
Nevada dairy cattle traveling out of state
Per the USDA Federal Order, a negative test for Influenza A virus from an approved NAHLN lab is required for interstate travel for all lactating dairy cattle within seven (7) days prior to movement. Dairy producers should reference the updated entry guidelines for the state to which they are traveling and work with their veterinarian to arrange for testing prior to transport. Samples for testing must be collected by an accredited veterinarian.
Cattle traveling direct to slaughter from the owner do not require testing.
Recommendations for sale barns
Per the USDA Federal Order, the USDA requires a negative test for Influenza A virus from an approved NAHLN lab for interstate travel of all lactating dairy cattle. Dairy producers should work with their veterinarian to arrange for testing prior to transport.
Lactating dairy cows consigned to a sale barn in Nevada for subsequent interstate movement to a slaughter facility do not require a negative test. Cattle traveling direct to slaughter from the owner do not require testing.
Testing
Per the Federal Order, lactating dairy cows must be tested for H5N1 prior to movement. If fewer than 30 cattle are moving, all cattle must be tested. If more than 30 are moving, then only 30 animals must be tested. Samples must be collected by an accredited veterinarian and submitted to a NAHLN Laboratory. Any positive detections of Influenza A must be reported to the NDA State Veterinarian at diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov and APHIS at HPAI.Results@usda.gov. More information on testing is available from USDA.
Veterinary collection instructions
Collect milk/udder secretions from individual cows. Ensure each quarter is sampled, as there have been reports of only one quarter having virus. Combine the milk from each quarter into one sample for submission to the laboratory. Submit between 3-10 ml of milk per animal.
Note: NAHLN Laboratories may pool milk samples from up to 5 cows together; this can only be done in the laboratory.
Samples can be dropped off at the NDA Animal Disease Lab in Sparks, Nev. for transfer to, or can be sent directly to one of the following NALHN Labs:
Voluntary testing
In addition to mandatory testing for interstate movement, producers and veterinarians may choose to conduct additional testing to manage HPAI suspect or affected herds to better protect their herds.
Costs
If testing is performed at NAHLN laboratories, APHIS will support the testing costs provided they obtain a FAD number (for sick cattle) or include a premises ID and follow the testing guidance below. APHIS will reimburse for Influenza A testing at NAHLN laboratories associated with this event for the following submission reasons:
- Suspect cattle
- Apparently healthy cattle that have been exposed to or epidemiologically linked to suspect or confirmed positive HPAI cattle
- Cattle from producers concerned their cattle may have HPAI
- Sick or dead domestic animals near affected premises
- Wildlife (reason for submission must indicate emerging event)
- Monitoring of healthy cattle via bulk tank samples
Costs for sample collection and shipping will not be covered.
Suspected cases
Contact your local veterinarian at the first sign of illness. Suspected cases should be reported to the NDA State Veterinarian at diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov.
Signs of illness
- Drop in feed intake
- Marked drop in herd-level milk production
- Thickened milk
- No milk
- Respiratory signs
- Nasal discharge
Detections
Any positive detections of Influenza A must be reported to the NDA State Veterinarian at diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov and USDA APHIS at HPAI.Results@usda.gov.
As of April 26, 2024, detections of H5N1 in dairy cattle have not been reported in Nevada.
Biosecurity
Good health safety practices are important to protecting the herd health.
- Monitor for Sick Animals: Producers should monitor herds closely for cattle with clinical signs of disease.
- Movement of Cattle: Movement of cattle should be minimized; movement of cattle should be focused on preventing movement of disease.
- Vehicles, Equipment, and People on the Farm: Producers should limit the movement of vehicles and visitors on and off livestock and poultry premises and establish dedicated routes for vehicles that do come onto the premises.
- Wildlife Management: Producers should monitor and report any odd behaviors and die offs in domestic and wild animals immediately.
- Worker safety: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended for personals working with or around cattle or materials potentially contaminated with H5N1. Avoid rubbing eyes, eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and other such activities in and around areas with cattle. Wash hand regularly.
The most up-to-date information on the H5N1 outbreak is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.
For additional questions, please contact diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov.