New guidelines for moving lactating cattle among bird flu concerns

Wisconsin dairy producers and veterinarians are getting new federal guidance on moving lactating dairy cattle across state lines amid concerns about highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said Friday that, effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle shipped interstate from states labeled “Unaffected” under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy no longer need an HPAI test before they move. Wisconsin currently meets the criteria for that status, meaning cattle leaving the state are not subject to the federal pre-movement testing rules set in a USDA order issued in April 2024. The state is also dropping its own testing requirement for fairs and exhibitions. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said a Wisconsin order requiring individual cow testing before attending fairs has been rescinded. Lactating dairy cattle going to Wisconsin fairs will only need an HPAI test if they are coming from a state without “Unaffected” status.