According to U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, all dairy cattle will require testing for High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) H5N1, or Influenza ‘A,’ before interstate travel starting Monday, April 29.
The USDA is alerting producers that they will cover the testing costs, which must be done at registered testing facilities. If there is a positive case, Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack says it must be reported to the USDA and tracing must be done. No positive cattle may move.
So far, in addition to outbreaks in commercial poultry, HPAI H5N1 cases in dairy cattle have been observed in eight U.S. states.
The USDA has compiled extensive resources from veterinary virologists with HPAI-related recommendations for livestock owners, specific to cattle and poultry as well as horses, other types of farm animals, wildlife, and humans that may come into contact with infected animals. These resources also detail biosecurity measures like protecting food sources from wildlife and reducing access to water sources, barns, and other structures that house livestock.
In addition to covering the cost of HPAI H5N1 testing, the USDA also offers farm loans to help producers cover the cost of implementing more advanced biosecurity measures.
For a breakdown of the USDA’s new requirements for the dairy industry, click the following link to read the full Federal Order:
Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Livestock.
This is a developing story. Stay with RFD-TV News for updates.
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
November 10, 2025 03:05 PM
·
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
November 10, 2025 10:35 AM
·
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
·
For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
November 06, 2025 02:45 PM
·
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares how passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could give the dairy industry a needed boost.
November 06, 2025 02:31 PM
·
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
·
The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.
November 05, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.
November 05, 2025 11:36 AM
·
