Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Dairy Cattle

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Reporting an Animal Disease​

To report a suspected disease, contact DATCP's Division of Animal Health by:
  • Email: datcpanimalimports@wisconsin.gov
  • Phone: 
    • Weekdays: (608) 224-4872, Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays: 800-943-0003. Select option 2. State that you are reporting a potential animal disease.​

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working with state animal health officials ​on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in dairy cattle that is causing decreased milk production, reduced appetite, and other symptoms. USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has now confirmed the presence of H5N1 Influenza A virus (known to cause highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI​) in dairy herds in several states. Access the USDA list of detections in domestic livestock.​

The CDC is reportin​g cases​ of those who have tested positive for HPAI ​A (H5N1) virus in the United States. The CDC shared that the human health risk assessment for the general public is ​low. However, people with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to​ infected birds, livestock, or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection. Acces​s the interim recom​mendations from CDC for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations. Reque​st personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services medical stockpile.​

DATCP encourages producers to practice good biosecurity. including minimizing animal movements and isolating new additions to the herd. Current import rules can be found on the DATCP Cattle and Bison Movement webpage. It is important to check requirements prior to importing animals from any state, as requirements can change. Requirements such as official identification and certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs) help ensure cattle entering Wisconsin are healthy prior to import.

Lactating dairy cattle must receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory prior to moving to fairs or exhibitions. The samples must be collected no more than 7 days prior to movement to the fair or exhibition. Testing is available to producers at no cost through USDA APHIS at NAHLN laboratories. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples. This intrastate order requiring a negative Influenza A test prior to travelling to a show or exhibition will remain in effect until 60 days after the last detection of H5N1 in cattle herds in the United States.​ Access the Wisc​onsin Lactating Dairy Cattle Movement to Fairs and Exhibiti​ons Order​ and ​access the FAQ.​

2024 HPAI Communications


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​​FAQ Document on the State Order​​​

Info on Federal​ Order

Owner Hauler Statement for Lactating Dairy Cow Transport to Slaughter (Form)

Additional Requirements for Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle​

​USDA Federal Order

Guidance for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians, and Producers (USDA APHIS)​

Testing Guidance for Labs for Influenza A in Livestock (USDA APHIS)

Frequently Asked Questions related to USDA's Federal Order (USDA APHIS)

Biose​curity​​​

Farm Biosecurity Practices Videos​ (DATCP YouTube)​

Basic bi​osecurity

SecureMilkSupply.org​

USDA HPAI Biosecurity Checklist​

Biosecurity Resources for Events

Resource​​s

​​Recommendations for HPAI Virus in Livestock for Veterinarians and Producers (USDA APHIS) 

Recommendations for HPAI Virus in Livestock for Workers (USDA APHIS)​​​

HPAI (H5N1) Frequently Asked Questions (USDA APHIS)​

Dairy Biosecurity Recommendations (AABP)​

Questio​ns and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During HPAI Outbreaks (FDA)

HPAI Virus: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations (CDC)​

​General Information

Detections of HPAI in the U.S. (USDA)

Fact sheet: Avian influenza and pets​

DHS: What workers should know about HPAI (English, Spanish, and Hmong)​​

​DHS: Avian influenza H5N1 virus

Livestock premises registration