USDA Increases Testing Measures Targeting H5N1 Bird Flu

Gloved hand pipetting liquid into a tray.

The USDA expands its National Milk Testing Strategy to combat H5N1 bird flu, now covering 28 states and 65% of U.S. milk production.

At a Glance

  • USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy now includes 28 states, up from initial 6
  • California and Texas are the only states with active H5N1 detections in dairy cattle
  • Over 110,000 milk samples tested since March 2024 outbreak
  • USDA working on vaccine development for poultry and bovine species
  • HHS announced over $300 million in funding for H5N1 response efforts

USDA Broadens National Milk Testing Strategy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has significantly expanded its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) to address the challenges posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus in the dairy industry. The program, which initially launched with six states, now encompasses 28 states, covering approximately 65% of U.S. milk production. This expansion marks a crucial step in the nation’s efforts to combat the spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle and protect the food supply chain.

The newly added states to the NMTS include Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. This comprehensive approach allows for more thorough monitoring and rapid response to potential outbreaks across a wider geographical area.

Current Situation and Testing Efforts

As of now, California and Texas are the only states with active H5N1 detections in dairy cattle. The NMTS involves a five-tiered action plan, with California currently at Stage 3 due to the implementation of rapid response measures. Since the outbreak began in March 2024, over 110,000 milk samples have been tested, demonstrating the scale and intensity of the USDA’s efforts to monitor and contain the virus.

“Across the country, a strong network of public and private veterinarians, as well as state and local agriculture and health officials, have been working hand-in-hand with USDA to make the National Milk Testing Strategy as robust a weapon as possible in our fight against H5N1, and to ensure farmers have the information and tools they need to protect their businesses, their families, their workers, and ultimately their communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also reported additional poultry outbreaks in six states, including a large layer farm in North Carolina and a commercial turkey farm in Indiana. Backyard poultry flocks in Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, and West Virginia have also been affected by the virus, underscoring the widespread nature of the outbreak.

Vaccine Development and Biosecurity Measures

In response to the ongoing threat, the USDA is actively working on vaccine development for both poultry and bovine species to combat H5N1. Currently, seven vaccine candidates for dairy cattle have been approved for field safety trials. However, it’s important to note that existing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) vaccines do not fully match the virulent H5N1 strain in the current outbreak.

Federal Support and Future Outlook

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced over $300 million in funding for H5N1 response efforts, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to addressing this issue. While HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has stated that the risk to humans remains low, preparations for potential scenarios are ongoing.

Vilsack also said that “USDA remains fully committed to working with farmers and our public health partners to evolve our strategy based on our latest findings so we can keep people and animals safe from this virus.”

As the situation continues to evolve, the USDA’s expanded National Milk Testing Strategy remains a critical tool in the fight against H5N1 bird flu in the dairy industry. By leveraging its experience with successful bulk milk testing programs, such as the eradication of brucellosis, the USDA is well-positioned to monitor, respond to, and ultimately control the spread of this concerning virus.

Sources:

  1. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-begin-bulk-milk-testing-bird-flu-after-push-industry-2024-10-30/
  2. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/fifteen-more-states-enroll-usda-milk-testing-program
  3. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/01/08/us-department-agriculture-announces-15-additional-states-onboard-national-milk-testing-strategy-h5n1
  4. https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/more-states-join-usdas-milk-testing-program-to-monitor-for-bird-flu-5788528