The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working to implement the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Federal Order regarding the emerging Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 virus in dairy cattle.
The Federal Order, effective April 29, 2024, requires mandatory testing and reporting of all lactating dairy cattle for HPAI prior to interstate movement. Should dairy cattle test positive, a 30-day quarantine period is required, along with retesting. Any positive results must be reported to USDA-APHIS.
Ohio dairy cattle producers will work with their accredited veterinarian or a state licensed veterinarian to collect and submit milk samples.
ODA’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) will perform the milk testing.
ODA is encouraging dairy farmers to obtain a Premises ID for submitting samples and ease of traceability by clicking this link for the online request form. A Premise ID is required to request an RFID tag, also necessary for interstate movements of Ohio dairy cattle. RFID tags can be obtained through ODA, at no cost. To request these free RFID tags, contact the ODA’s Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220 or [email protected].
If dairy producers in Ohio should see unusual clinical symptoms similar to those in affected states, they are to contact their herd veterinarians.
Producers and food animal veterinarians should always maintain good biosecurity practices. Consult your herd veterinarian for recommendations on biosecurity. Secure Food Supply and the National Dairy FARM Program have biosecurity resources for producers. It is advisable that farms review their biosecurity plan with employees and other relevant personnel and work closely with their herd veterinarian to help mitigate disease risk.
The herd veterinarians should contact the State Veterinarian office at 614-728-6220 for further guidance.
Source: Ohio Department of Agriculture