The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State veterinary and public health officials are investigating an illness among primarily older dairy cows. Vermont is monitoring the situation as it develops. Currently, no cases have been detected in Vermont and no links to affected states have been identified.
**December 2024 UPDATE**
USDA announced a mandatory raw milk monitoring program at dairy processing facilities across the United States to monitor and identify HPAI on dairy farms beginning in December of 2024. Please follow the links below for information on this program.
- USDA Mandated Silo Sampling & Monitoring Program for HPAI
- USDA Bulk Milk Testing Program FAQ's & Resources
Producers and Veterinarians
As of Monday, April 29, 2024, the USDA are initiating testing and requirements that must be met for all lactating dairy cows moving across state lines. Additional recommendations are made for non-lactating cattle and other species. Please review the following resources to understand how this applies to you:
- Federal Order
- Federal Order Guidance
- Federal Order Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Federal Order Exhibition Guidance (5/22/24)
- National Epidemiology Brief (6/13/2024)
- HPAI in Livestock Testing Guidance (Updated 5/1/2024)
- Dairy Biosecurity Recommendations – HPAI and More - National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
- Livestock Marketing Association - HPAI Movement Restrictions by state
Fairs / Field Days Recommendations & Guidance
- Fairs & Field Days Safe Animal Exhibition Recommendations
- Fair Organizers: Considerations and Information to Help Prevent Influenza | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC
- Fair Exhibitors: Considerations and Information to Help Prevent Influenza | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC
Animals Moving Direct to Slaughter
Click above for the most recent guidance (updated 4/30/24) providing specific instructions for lactating dairy cows moving directly to slaughter across state lines.
- Lactating cows with symptoms suggestive of HPAI in cattle are ineligible for interstate travel even direct to slaughter.
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Updates and Resources
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock - Includes the latest updates
- APHIS Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock For State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers Updated May 15, 2024
- APHIS Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock For Workers
- General HPAI in Livestock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) Updated April 16, 2024 - (PDF)
- USDA Press Releases
- Biosecurity for Dairy Herds
- Biosecurity for Poultry Flocks
- Influenza and Biosecurity - Not Just for the Birds (PDF)
- Manage Wildlife to Prevent HPAI (PDF)
- Exporting Cattle to Canada - Updated April 2024 with Influenza A requirements and addendum for lactating dairy cattle.
Vermont Department of Health
Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Updates and Information
- H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary
- Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People
- Farm Animal Interactions
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Resources
For questions or concerns, please contact AGR.AnimalHealth@vermont.gov or 802-828-2421.