A dairy in Colorado has recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 virus.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 34 across nine states, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
As part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus, a new federal order takes effect today mandating testing before interstate movement.
Pre-movement testing for H5N1 is required of all lactating dairy cattle moving between states, including those going to shows or sales.
The testing must be conducted within seven days of moving those cattle, and a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) must accompany all lactating dairy cattle traveling across state lines.
Additionally, laboratories and state veterinarians are required to report all positive influenza A tests in livestock to APHIS.
Trade restrictions
Internationally, trading partners have responded cautiously to the H5N1 cases in cattle. Turkey, the Dominican Republic and Colombia have imposed various restrictions on imports of live cattle. Colombia has also decided to restrict imports of U.S. beef from the nine states where H5N1 cases have been confirmed.
To date, no beef cattle have tested positive for the virus.
Genetic fragments in milk
The FDA reported that about 1 in 5 commercial milk samples tested across 38 states showed genetic fragments of the H5N1 virus. While pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus, its genetic material remains. However, the FDA reassured consumers that no live infectious virus was detected, affirming the safety of the commercial milk supply.
“This additional testing did not detect any live infectious virus. These results reaffirm our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe,” the FDA stated.
