USDA Enhances Milk Testing For H5N1 Bird Flu Impact On Diary Producers

Milk cartons in a refrigerated display case.

The USDA expands its National Milk Testing Strategy to 28 states, covering 65% of U.S. milk production in response to the H5N1 bird flu threat in the dairy industry.

At a Glance

  • USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy now includes 28 states, up from initial 6
  • California and Texas are the only states with active H5N1 detections in dairy cattle
  • Over 110,000 milk samples tested since March 2024 outbreak
  • USDA working on vaccine development for poultry and bovine species
  • HHS announced over $300 million in funding for H5N1 response efforts

Expansion of National Milk Testing Strategy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has significantly expanded its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) to combat the spread of H5N1 bird flu in the dairy industry. The program, which began with six states in December, now encompasses 28 states, representing 65% of U.S. milk production. Newly added states include Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

The NMTS involves a comprehensive five-stage testing protocol, with California currently at Stage 3 due to its rapid response measures. Since the outbreak began in March 2024, over 110,000 milk samples have been tested, demonstrating the scale and urgency of the USDA’s efforts to contain the virus.

Current Situation and Response

At present, California and Texas are the only states with active H5N1 detections in dairy cattle. However, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed additional poultry outbreaks in six states, including a large layer farm in North Carolina and a commercial turkey farm in Indiana. Backyard poultry flocks in Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, and West Virginia have also been affected by the virus.

“Across the country, a strong network of public and private veterinarians, as well as state and local agriculture and health officials, have been working hand-in-hand with USDA to make the National Milk Testing Strategy as robust a weapon as possible in our fight against H5N1, and to ensure farmers have the information and tools they need to protect their businesses, their families, their workers, and ultimately their communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

In response to the outbreak, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced over $300 million in funding for H5N1 response efforts. While HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that the risk to humans remains low, preparations for potential scenarios are ongoing.

Vaccine Development and Biosecurity Measures

The USDA is actively working on vaccine development for both poultry and bovine species to combat H5N1. Currently, seven vaccine candidates for dairy cattle have been approved for field safety trials. However, it’s important to note that existing HPAI vaccines do not fully match the virulent H5N1 strain in the current outbreak.

In addition to testing and vaccine development, the USDA strongly encourages robust biosecurity practices and offers support programs for producers. These measures are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting the nation’s food supply.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of the National Milk Testing Strategy represents a significant step in the USDA’s efforts to combat H5N1 in the dairy industry. With the support of HHS funding and ongoing vaccine development, the agency aims to minimize potential risks to farmworkers while ensuring the ongoing safety of the food supply and public health.

Vilsack also said the “USDA remains fully committed to working with farmers and our public health partners to evolve our strategy based on our latest findings so we can keep people and animals safe from this virus.”

As the situation continues to evolve, the USDA’s proactive approach and collaboration with state and local officials will be crucial in managing the H5N1 outbreak and protecting the nation’s agricultural interests.

Sources:

  1. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-begin-bulk-milk-testing-bird-flu-after-push-industry-2024-10-30/
  2. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/fifteen-more-states-enroll-usda-milk-testing-program
  3. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/01/08/us-department-agriculture-announces-15-additional-states-onboard-national-milk-testing-strategy-h5n1
  4. https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/more-states-join-usdas-milk-testing-program-to-monitor-for-bird-flu-5788528