HPAI testing no longer required for dairy cattle shipments from Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — Lactating dairy cattle bring shipped out of Indiana no longer need to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza prior to shipment, according to a recently announced policy from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The new guidance bases HPAI-testing requirement on the state-of-origin status under the National Milk Testing Strategy.

Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle originating from states classified as a NMTS Unaffected State do not need to be tested for HPAI prior to interstate movement. Indiana is currently classified at NMTS Stage 4, Unaffected.

“Under the modified guidance, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health must continue surveillance of the state’s commercial milk supply to maintain unaffected status,” reads a notice from BOAH.

“Each month, BOAH collects surveillance samples of unpasteurized milk from tanker trucks upon arrival at processing facilities. This collection method has proven to be the most efficient and effective way to assure Hoosiers that Indiana’s milk supply has not been affected by HPAI.”

To date, the H5N1 influenza virus has not been diagnosed at Indiana dairy farms through milk testing or interstate cattle movements.