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Cattle and Bison Movement

​​​​​​Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) ​Detections in Cattle 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Federal O​rder​ designed to reduce the risk of HPAI (H5N1) spreading among cattle and poultry. The Federal Order was effective Monday, April 29, 2024 and requires:​
  • Mandatory influenza testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle:
    • A negative influenza A test for individual lactating dairy cattle is required prior to import.
    • 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.
    • Access a summary of additional requirements​.​


Additionally, cattle entering the state must meet import requirements which in most instances will include a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). See "Import Rules by State" below. An​imals included on the CVI should not be known to be infected with or exposed to contagious diseases, or showing signs of contagious or infectious disease, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Understanding of this disease continues to grow and requirements may be updated as new information is received. ​For further information on the current situation in cattle, utilize the DATCP webpage on HPAI in Cattle​​.

Specific Import Rules for Cattle by State​

Additional Considerations for Cattle and Bison

  • The cattle and bison requirements are for bison and domesticated cattle breeds [Bos taurus or Bos indicus (such as Zebu and Brahman)].
  • For bovid animals that are not bison or domesticated cattle breeds such as yaks, water buffalo, and antelope species, please visit the exotic species webpage and click on "Exotic Ruminants".
  • Cattle from quarantined herds are ineligible for import into Wisconsin.
  • Lactating dairy cattle from herds with a positive influenza test result within the last 30 days are ineligible for import.
  • Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs consistent with influenza are ineligible for import.
  • If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in the state of origin for fewer than 120 days, please contact us.​
  • No M-branded bovines/cattle from other states may be imp​orted to Wisconsin except directly to a slaughter facility. 
  • For bovines that are part of a rodeo, circus,​ or menagerie, also visit the circuses, rodeos, and menageries webpage.
Interstate Livestock Icon 

​Resources

FAQs: Interstate movement for private veterinarians (coming soon)

FAQs: Interstate movement for markets and market veterinarians

FAQs: Interstate ​movement for cattle moving to Wisconsin for fairs, shows & exhibitions​

​Contact

(608) 224-4874
datcpanimalimports@wi.gov​​​​​​​​​​​​​