USDA Takes Action to Safeguard Livestock and Poultry Health Amid H5N1 Outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a series of measures to ensure the health and viability of the nation’s livestock and poultry in response to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle. In the two months since the initial detection, the USDA has been working with federal and state partners to understand and contain the virus. The department remains committed to finding new ways to collect data and mitigate the risks associated with this outbreak.

Emergency Funding and Response Efforts

To bolster these efforts, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has approved the transfer of $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This funding supports critical rapid response activities, including diagnostics, field responses, pre-movement testing, surveillance, and control activities. It also funds the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) vaccine development for HPAI in cattle, turkeys, pigs, and goats, and food safety studies by ARS and the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Previously, the USDA allocated $1.3 billion to address HPAI detections in wild birds and commercial poultry operations. The additional funds will ensure a robust and rapid response to the outbreak.

Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program

Building on efforts to contain H5N1, APHIS is launching a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program. This initiative provides alternative testing and movement options, enhancing the USDA’s monitoring capabilities. The program aims to:

• Create additional testing options for herds that have tested negative for three consecutive weeks.

• Reduce H5N1 virus dissemination.

• Increase surveillance and expand knowledge of the disease.

• Support a national program to reduce the risk of H5N1 in dairy herds.

Farmers who enroll in the program and demonstrate that their herds are free of H5N1 will need to conduct weekly tests on bulk milk to confirm their status. This allows for the movement of cows without individual testing, streamlining the process for dairy producers.

Producers in states participating in the pilot can start enrolling by contacting their APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge or state veterinarian and signing a Herd Monitoring Plan agreement. Increased participation may help the USDA establish state and/or regional disease-free statuses, easing compliance with the federal order.

Continued Efforts and Collaboration

As additional testing measures are implemented, the USDA expects an increase in positive test results, which will provide more data on the disease and its spread. The pilot program will also gather information on how affected herds can document virus elimination and maintain an H5N1-free status.

This new investment augments previously announced measures, including the federal order on pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle, biosecurity tools, and funding from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program.

The USDA continues to work closely with the CDC to protect public health and the FDA to ensure food safety. The U.S. government remains committed to addressing this situation with urgency.

To learn more about USDA’s response to H5N1 in dairy cattle, visit USDA APHIS.