APHIS Introduces Five-Stage Dairy Testing Protocol
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently highlighted new federal regulations by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) aimed at eradicating the H5N1 avian influenza from the dairy sector. These measures, part of a broader strategy to protect U.S. trade relations, involve a rigorous five-stage testing protocol for raw milk in dairy cattle.
Stage one of the protocol mandates the testing of national dairy plants and silos, progressing to evaluating a state’s overall HPAI status in stage two.
Subsequent stages focus on detecting and responding to the virus within affected states, demonstrating ongoing absence of the virus, and finally confirming a state's freedom from the disease. Each stage is critical for systematically eliminating avian influenza, with adjustments in testing frequency based on results over time.
Bernt Nelson, an economist with the federation, explained that the strategy would begin in states already proficient in existing testing programs and expand regionally.
The goal is to not only manage but eliminate avian influenza from dairy herds, ensuring the safety of the national dairy supply and maintaining the integrity of international trade relationships.
Additionally, Nelson mentioned that vaccines are currently under development and will likely play a crucial role in the later stages of the protocol. This integrated approach—combining rigorous testing with future vaccination plans—promises a robust defense against avian influenza, safeguarding both the dairy industry and public health.