Dear Friend,

FTCLDF has confirmed that on June 6, 2024 the FDA wrote to all state public health and agriculture agencies advising them on the need to “collectively work to address new developments related to the presence of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in dairy cattle.”

The FDA has recommended to state agencies that they consider surveillance testing for H5N1 in dairy cattle. As we have previously reported, the USDA is requiring H5N1 testing for dairy cattle moving across state lines. While the FDA recommends that states test dairy cattle involved in intrastate commerce, there is no requirement.

FTCLDF's Advice to Dairy Farmers

If you hear from an inspector, or health department official, FTCLDF recommends that you ask for legal authority for any testing (since I am not aware of any, despite the FDA "recommendations.").

If an inspector insists, I recommend asking for a warrant and then contacting FTCLDF. If you have concerns, you can certainly cooperate with the FDA, and FTCLDF can communicate with the state health agency on your behalf.

FTCLDF recommends that you:

1.    Ensure that biosecurity measures are respected in the taking of samples, and that you understand the testing measures and where the samples have been taken.

2.    As always, it is important to obtain the name, title, and contact information of any inspector.

3.    If PCR testing is done, It is worth asking how many cycles will be done as it is my understanding that repeated cycles can lead to ambiguous test results.

4.    It is also best to use an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory, which could be recommended by the state veterinarian working under your state department of agriculture.

Keeping Records

It is helpful to keep records of your efforts to ensure that your dairy herd remains safe. Common symptoms of the H5N1 virus include low appetite, reduced milk production, and abnormal appearance of milk. The USDA APHIS published a report stating that clinical signs of the virus in cattle are relatively mild, and infected animals recover after about 7-10 days.

It is helpful to collect information from any inspector or agency employee wishing to take samples for testing.

The most important information to collect includes:

• Name of inspector / worker contacting you to encourage H5N1 testing in dairy cattle.

• Dates samples are taken.

• Documentation of legal authority for testing of dairy cattle within the state.

• Method for testing.

Human Contraction of H5N1 from Raw Milk

FTCLDF wishes to strongly emphasize for dairy producers and consumers that It is our understanding, at this time, that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that humans can contract the virus from drinking the raw milk of an infected animal. To read more on this, visit the blog  from medical microbiologist and microbial risk assessor Peg Coleman titled, "Where's the Evidence."

In addition, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners reports that the infection in cattle is not as highly pathogenic in Bovine as it is birds.

In 2010, both the FDA and USDA determined that HPAI is not considered to be a foodborne pathogen, and there is no evidence that drinking milk from an animal that has testing positive has any negative impact on health.

FTCLDF will be watching and weighing in on these developments and will keep you posted. Please share this important information with your rancher and farmer friends, who may not receive our emails.