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.
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer
October 07, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Key signs of the U.S. beef herd’s recovery are improved pasture conditions, lower feed costs, and increased regulatory alignment and support for producers to implement targeted grazing practices.
October 07, 2025 12:35 PM
·
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
October 07, 2025 10:55 AM
·
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
October 06, 2025 12:33 PM
·
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
October 03, 2025 10:50 AM
·
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.
October 02, 2025 01:39 PM
·
AFBF Economist Bearnt Nelson joins us with insights into current turkey flock sizes, HPAI concerns, and production impacts on holiday demand.
October 02, 2025 01:25 PM
·
FarmHER Laura Adams raises cattle in Georgia, overcoming family tragedy with the help of Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy.
October 01, 2025 11:15 AM
·
