FSIS to Start H5N1 Beef Monitoring Sampling

On September 16, 2024, the FSIS will be adding H5N1 influenza A monitoring in dairy cows at slaughter to its already robust national surveillance programs for pathogens and chemical contaminants.

FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program (NRP) and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for this program. Samples will be tested by FSIS laboratory personnel using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Carcasses sampled under the NRP are held by establishments pending results of residue testing...

Five Suspected Newcastle Disease Cases Test Negative in Brazilian Poultry

On 21 July, the Minsitry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) ruled out three potential new cases of Newcastle disease in poultry after testing additional samples taken from animals near where the first case was confirmed on 17 July. On 24 July, two further analyses of suspected cases within the Newcastle Disease protection zone revealed negative results.

"The negative results reinforce that the confirmed outbreak is an isolated sanitary event and that there are no signs of spread around the commercial farm where...

Penn State Tests Dairy Herd for Bird Flu in Support of State Surveillance Effort

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, under a voluntary state testing program.

The announcement comes amidst an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy cattle in more than a dozen states since March. As of July 19, the virus had not been found in Pennsylvania dairy herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state animal...

MDARD: Designates Two Bovine Tuberculosis Testing Areas

Today, due to the detection of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in wild deer from Benzie, Crawford, and Otsego counties during the 2023 deer hunting season, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Dr. Tim Boring has designated two bovine TB testing areas. One area includes specific portions of Benzie and Manistee counties, and the other includes portions of Crawford and Otsego counties. Testing all the cattle and bison herds within these areas will help to protect animal health, public health, and market access for Michigan's cattle, meat, and milk products...

USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.

Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive...