USDA: Dairy cattle must be tested for bird flu before moving between states

In a move to curb the spread of bird flu in cattle, the USDA has ordered that lactating dairy cows be tested for the virus before moving to another farm across state lines.

The USDA issued the order on Wednesday, April 24 after the Food and Drug Administration said that fragments of the H5N1 virus were detected in samples of pasteurized milk on store shelves.

While the agency listed several requirements in the Federal Order effective Monday, April 29, it emphasized that the current risk to the public remains low.

"While we are taking this action today, it is important to remember that thus far, we have not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and between people," the USDA stated.

During a press conference on April 24, USA TODAY reported that FDA officials told members of the media that while the milk tested positive for the presence of the virus, the pasteurization process is effective in inactivating viruses.

National Milk Producers Federation chimed in on the FDA's findings to emphasize the safety of the nation's milk supply.

"Viral fragments detected after pasteurization are nothing more than evidence that the virus is dead; they have zero impact on human health. Further, the federal PMO (Pasteurized Milk Ordinance) prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain. Milk and milk products produced and processed in the United States are among the safest in the world," said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud. "We appreciate that these agencies (USDA and FDA) are sharing this message, which will help alleviate any concerns consumers may have."

In the meantime, the FDA is partnering with the USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state agencies to conduct more robust testing and analysis on commercially sold milk as well as ground beef in those states confirming bird-flu outbreaks.

Since March 25, the USDA has reported that bird flu has been found in 34 dairy herds in nine states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, North Carolina and most recently Colorado.

Reuters reported on Monday that USDA will be testing samples of ground beef at retail stores in those states. However, government officials believe the the meat supply is safe.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will analyze retail ground beef samples with PCR tests that indicate "whether any viral particles are present," according to a statement. Many cows culled from dairy herds are processed into ground beef.

Actions involved in the Federal Order effective April 29

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, the USDA shared several actions to help limit the spread of the disease.

Mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
• Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
• Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.
• As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, while requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.

In addition to testing dairy cows before transporting them, Wednesday's order also requires that state veterinary labs report any positive tests to federal health authorities.

The USDA stressed that while issuing the order, it is important to remember that so far, the agency has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and between people.

"While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, our partners at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that the current risk to the public remains low," the agency stated.

Farmers ask for clarification regarding cattle movement in markets, auctions

In the days following the announcement of the April 29 order, USDA APHIS fielded many questions related to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to sale barns and auction markets.

USDA noted that the federal order does not apply to the intrastate movement of a lactating dairy cow to a sale barn. Subsequent interstate movement for a lactating dairy cow from a sale barn directly to a slaughter facility requires only a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal is clinically healthy; no testing is necessary. 

"This clarifies the requirements for states where direct to slaughter movements are limited but cattle movements flow through sale barns and auctions for consolidation and movement as a "lot" to slaughter out of state. We are announcing this clarification over the weekend to ensure small farms have the guidance necessary to continue to move cull cattle and limit animal welfare issues."