Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cattle

HPAI Detections in Wisconsin

DATCP is committed to working with state and federal partners, veterinarians, and producers to prevent the further spread of HPAI to Wisconsin dairies. Efforts continue to follow cases in other states, test Wisconsin dairy farms through the National Milk Testing Strategy, and prevent further spread of the virus. Review Guidance for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians, and Producers from U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). ​

Dairy Cattle Testing and Movement Requirements

Since March 2024, two Federal Orders and one State Order affecting lactating dairy cows are in effect. Milk samples must be collected no more than seven (7) days prior to movement. Testing is available to producers at no cost through USDA APHIS at NAHLN laboratories including the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples through USDA APHIS Financial Assistance for HPAI in livestock.​

Animal Movement

Testing prior to Interstate Movement: April 24, 2024 Federal Order 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Federal Order designed to reduce the risk of HPAI spreading among cattle and poultry. Access the USDA Frequently Asked Questions related to the Federal Order.

The Federal Order was effective Monday, April 29, 2024 and has the following requirements.

Mandatory influenza testing for interstate movement (crossing state lines) of dairy cattle:

• A negative influenza A test for individual lactating dairy cattle is required prior to import. This includes moving to markets or sale barns in Wisconsin from other states.
• For imports of more than thirty (30) lactating dairy cattle moving in a group, contact the department.
• For imports of lactating dairy cattle from herds actively participating in the USDA HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program, contact the department.
• For beef cattle and other classes of dairy cattle, there are currently no influenza A testing requirements. Future requirements, if any, will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.

Additional rules for importing cattle to Wisconsin can be found on the DATCP Cattle and Bison Movement webpage. 

DATCP Movement Guidance:

• Summary of Additional Requirements for Movement of Lactating Dairy Cattle
• DATCP Owner Hauler Statement for Lactating Dairy Cow Transport to Slaughter
  

• APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for HPAI/H5N1
• Testing Guidance for Labs for Influenza A in Livestock (USDA APHIS)
• Limiting the Spread FAQ
  

Movement to Fairs and Exhibitions: June 19, 2024 State Order

DATCP State Order FAQ: Lactating dairy cattle must receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory:

• Prior to attending fairs or exhibitions in Wisconsin
• Including Wisconsin-origin cows
  

​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. Visit import rules by state.​

Inter- and Intrastate Milk Testing

Since April 2024, there have been 9,354​ raw milk samples tested for inter- and intrastate animal movement. Of those, there have been zero positives. ​

Milk Testing

National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS): December 6, 2024 Federal Order

In May 2025, WI began testing milk samples from milk quality laboratories for HPAI in accordance with federal USDA National Milk Testing Strategy. To monitor HPAI in WI, bulk tank milk samples submitted to quality laboratories from Grade A dairies are tested monthly.