HPAI in Livestock
ALMDA has been involved in the ongoing response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle.
ALMDA Summary of USDA Guidance from Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of HPAI in Livestock
ALMDA has compiled a summary of USDA Guidance, trying to simplify for member markets what is required for different situations. As noted in yesterday's email, if the dairy cattle are not sick, not lactating, and are staying in-state, nothing changes from the current state-based movement requirements and processes.
Updates as of April 27, 2024:
Clarification Regarding Movement of Cattle Through Markets or Auctions to Slaughter, Under the April 24 Federal Order
USDA APHIS continues to receive questions related to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to sale barns and auction markets under the Federal Order and associated guidance, effective on April 29.
This message is to clarify 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.
Learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle on the APHIS website.
USDA has also made the following assets available:
Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock (Issued April 24, 2024)
Federal Order to Assist with Developing a Baseline of Critical Information and Limiting the Spread of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle: Frequently Asked Questions(Issued April 25, 2024)
APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus in Livestock for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers (Issued April 26, 2024)
Testing Guidance for Labs for Influenza A in Livestock (Issued April 26, 2024)
Affidavit Options for Markets Selling Dairy Cattle
Livestock markets which sell dairy cattle are reliant upon sellers to accurately represent the status and condition of cattle being sold. Some markets may choose to require an affidavit for sellers who consign dairy cattle which may be shipped interstate.