HPAI Update: USDA Clarification on Federal Order for Dairy Cattle

May 30, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture recently released additional information about the federal order to assist with developing a baseline of critical information and limiting the spread of H5N1 in dairy cattle, as well as guidelines for shows and fairs. Some brief highlights related to recent common inquiries include the following:

USDA Updates on HPAI

Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale may pass the 7-day testing window; is it possible to skip additional testing to return to the first farm? Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale must have a negative test result from samples collected within 7 days of movement. These animals may travel to their home herd using the same negative test result provided the exhibition, show, or sale does not exceed 10 days of length.
Limit animal comingling of animals and follow biosecurity protocols.
Please check with each exhibition event to understand individual guidelines in place for dairy cattle.
Additional guidance about minimizing transmissions at livestock exhibitions can be found here.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: How We Pick Sheep For Use As Breeding Stock

In this episode of our sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we’re diving deeper into one of the most important parts of raising purebred sheep — selecting our breeding stock. ?? This episode is a direct follow-up to our popular video “You Be The Judge,” where we invited viewers to help evaluate our rams. We read through your comments, shared your insights, and now we’re responding! Arnie and I go over what we agreed with, where our opinions differed, and what we look for when choosing both rams and ewes to carry on our genetics. Breeding decisions at Ewetopia Farms aren’t just about looks — they’re about structure, performance, temperament, and the future of the flock. Whether you’re building your own breeding program or just curious how we make these decisions, today’s discussion offers a rare look inside the thought process behind improving a flock year after year.