USDA Launches National Milk Testing Strategy

from National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) reports 

USDA announced Dec. 6, 2024, the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) requiring raw milk samples to be collected and shared with USDA for testing and surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle.

The NMTS aims to identify affected states and herds, enhance biosecurity measures to prevent transmission and protect the dairy workforce from exposure.

By providing a uniform and structured testing system, the strategy will help ensure the safety of livestock in unaffected regions, support effective containment efforts and strengthen the overall biosecurity needed to eliminate H5N1 from the U.S. dairy herd. 

The Federal Order includes three new requirements:

• It requires the sharing of raw milk samples, upon request, from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station or dairy processing facility that sends or holds milk intended for pasteurization. 

• It requires herd owners with positive cattle to provide epidemiological information that enables activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance. 

• Like USDA’s April 24, 2024 Federal Order, it requires that private laboratories and state veterinarians report positive results to USDA that come from tests done on raw milk samples drawn as part of the NMTS. 

The NMTS has begun in some states and USDA plans to expand testing to all 48 contiguous states.