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Further guidance given for HPAI interstate dairy cow movement

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued additional guidance for interstate movement of lactating dairy cows Friday.

Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle tells Brownfield says Friday’s update provides more clarity about required H5N1 virus testing for Wednesday’s federal order restricting the interstate transport of milk cows, including the cost to farmers. “USDA will cover the cost of the test itself done at the NAHLN (National Animal Health Laboratory Network) lab, so there will be no testing fee for farmers, but there be an associated cost with having their veterinarian do the testing and any shipping costs to get the samples to the lab.”

She says presumptive positive tests are forwarded from their National Animal Health Laboratory Network lab at the University of Wisconsin to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, at USDA’s expense.

Konkle says APHIS also clarified what can be done when shipping cull cows to slaughter. “They have added that to the guidance document that allows cattle moving directly to slaughter across state lines exemption from the testing requirements, however,they will need some traceability information.”

Konkle says it’s possible USDA will make further recommendations based on what scientists learn about the virus and it’s impacts on cattle and other species.

AUDIO: Dr. Darlene Konkle discusses the latest HPAI update with Brownfield’s Larry Lee 4/26/24