New tools fight H5N1 in dairy herds - USDA invests and innovates

By Farms.com

In response to the ongoing H5N1 threat to livestock, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is deploying new resources and strategies.

The USDA is allocating an additional $824 million to bolster response efforts. This funding will support activities like diagnostics, field response, and vaccine development for various livestock animals.

A key innovation is the launch of the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program. This program provides dairy producers with more control over testing and movement of their cows.

Herds that demonstrate consistent negative H5N1 tests can participate. They will then need to conduct regular bulk milk testing to maintain their status and avoid individual animal testing before moving cows.

This program aims to improve H5N1 monitoring, understand virus spread in dairy herds, and potentially lead to regional disease-free designations. Herds not enrolled will continue to follow existing requirements.

The USDA is working with states to identify participants for the pilot program, which starts enrolling herds in June. This initiative builds on previous measures like pre-movement testing mandates and resources for improving biosecurity.

The USDA continues to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safeguard public health and the food supply.