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.
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)
- Dairy Biosecurity Recommendations – HPAI and More - National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
- Livestock Marketing Association - HPAI Movement Restrictions by state
Animals Moving Direct to Slaughter
The most recent guidance (updated 4/26/24) provides specific instructions for lactating dairy cows moving directly to slaughter across state lines. These requirements differ the most from typical practice, and are therefore highlighted below:
- Clinically normal lactating cows (asymptomatic):
- From a farm directly to a slaughter facility: A CVI is required to move across state lines.
- From a Vermont farm to a Vermont livestock market/auction: A CVI is required before crossing state lines if going to slaughter at an out of state facility after the market.
- From a Vermont farm to an out of state livestock market/auction OR out of state farm to a Vermont livestock market/auction: A negative Influenza A virus test and CVI is required for all lactating cows moving across state lines to a market, even if going to slaughter from the market.
- 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 April 26, 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)
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.