Interstate Movement Requirements for Dairy Cattle During H5N1 Outbreak

Guidance has been updated below to reflect the allowance of lactating dairy cows consigned to a sale barn in Nevada for subsequent interstate movement to a slaughter facility to move without a negative test.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring testing for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in lactating dairy cattle prior to interstate movement. In addition, detections of H5N1 must be reported to the USDA APHIS. This order goes into effect Monday, April 29, 2024.

As of April 26, 2024, detections of H5N1 in dairy cattle have not been reported in Nevada.

Please review the following requirements and recommendations. This is an evolving situation, and requirements are subject to change with minimal notice. Please continue to monitor your email and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) for up-to-date information.

Animal movement
The NDA has updated entry requirements in compliance with this order requiring a negative test for Influenza A virus from an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab to be documented on a Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) within seven (7) days prior to movement. Dairy producers should work with their veterinarian to arrange for testing prior to transport. Nevada producers moving lactating dairy cattle out of state should reference the updated entry guidelines for the state to which they are traveling.

Nonlactating dairy cattle, including heifers, dry cows and bull calves, are not currently subject to testing for interstate movement due to their risk profile. Cattle traveling direct to slaughter from the owner do not require testing. Lactating dairy cows consigned to a sale barn in Nevada for subsequent interstate movement to a slaughter facility do not require a negative test.