Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Cattle - Mandatory influenza testing for interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle
- A negative influenza A test for individual lactating dairy cattle is required prior to import.
- For imports of more than 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 these additional requirements.
Additionally, cattle entering the state must meet import requirements which in most instances will include a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). Animals 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.
This information is current as of March 4, 2025.
These are the requirements for domestic cattle (Bos taurus or Bos indicus (such as Zebu and Brahman)) and bison from the Michigan federal tuberculosis (TB)-free zone:
- For import requirements for other bovid species such as yaks, water buffalo, and antelope species, please visit the exotic species page.
- Quarantined animals 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
- No M-branded bovine/cattle from other states may be imported to Wisconsin except directly to a slaughter facility
- If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in the origin state for fewer than 120 days, please contact the import coordinator.
Wisconsin recognizes two tuberculosis zones in the state of Michigan. The first is the federal TB Modified Accredited (MA) zone and the other is composed of the rest of the state, which is federally classified as TB Free.
The counties classified as MA are the following counties in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula: Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda. All other Michigan counties are classified as TB Free.
Because the import rules are quite different for the two zones, they are listed on separate pages. If you are importing cattle from Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, or Oscoda counties, see Import rules for cattle from the Michigan MA zone. Otherwise continue on this page.
Importing Cattle or Bison from Michigan's Federal TB-Free Zone for any Reason Except Slaughter
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) is required:
- Include complete physical origin and destination address.
- Indicate on CVI if adult dairy breed females are lactating or dry.
- Include a statement that lactating dairy cattle are both free from and have not been exposed to a known contagious and infectious disease.
- When official ID and testing is required, include that information on the CVI.
- Individual Official ID requirements:
- Required for all cattle and bison of any age, sex, or purpose, including calves at side, beef heifers and bulls under 18 months, and steers.
- The following are official ID:
- USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) RFID tag (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 840)
- AIN RFID tags from other countries (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 124 for Canadian origin cattle and bison)
- AIN RFID replacement tags for cattle and bison from other countries (for example, 15-digit RFID tag starting with 964 that is Lime Green and Blue and has IMP printed on it, indicate “import tag” on the CVI)
- If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA ear tag number that is part of the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) (for example, 9-digit alphanumeric number that starts with state 2-digit code, both the metal silver “brite” tag and the metal orange brucellosis tag (e.g. 35ABC1234))
- If applied before November 5, 2024: USDA 840 AIN Visual tag (for example, 15-digit visual only tag starting with 840)
- If applied before March 11, 2015: American ID tag (for example, 8-12-digit number prefaced with "USA")
- If applied before March 11, 2015: Manufacturer-coded RFID tag (for example, 15-digit number with the first three digits in a 900 series, such as 980, 982 or 985)
- Please note: Wisconsin has no reciprocal agreements with other states regarding the use of tattoos and registration numbers as identification. As a result, breed association tattoos and breed registration numbers are not accepted as official identification. In addition, brands are not accepted as official ID.
- "Pending" official ID or partial ID numbers on paperwork are not acceptable.
- If an animal has more than one form of official identification, all the IDs must be listed on the CVI.
- For Lactating Dairy Cattle only: A negative influenza test with a collection date within seven (7) days of import is required for lactating dairy cattle:
- Include test collection date, result, lab, and accession number on CVI.
- Contact us if lactating dairy cattle will be originating from a herd with current participation in the USDA HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program or if more than 30 lactating dairy cattle will be moving in a group.
- Test results must be current and complete and must be included on the CVI. Catte may not be imported while influenza tests are pending.
- Beef cattle, bison, and non-lactating dairy cattle, including dry cows, heifers, and bull calves, are not required to be tested.
- 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
- See the DATCP webpage on HPAI in Cattle for additional information and biosecurity recommendations for this emerging and evolving disease
- Dairy, beef, and bison: TB test required:
- Negative individual TB test within 60 days before the date of import, OR
- If the animals originate from a currently accredited TB-free herd, individual TB tests are not required but the accreditation number and date of the last whole-herd TB test must be on the CVI.
- Test results must be current and complete and must be included on the CVI. Cattle may not be imported while TB tests are pending.
- Animals from herds involved in any TB positive, traceback or exposed herd investigations may not enter Wisconsin except for movement directly to slaughter until the investigation of the herd is completed and negative
- No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required.
- No import permit required (except for bovines that are part of a rodeo, circus, or menagerie: visit Circuses, Rodeos, and Menageries)
- Fairs or exhibitions may have additional requirements--contact the show organizers for more information
Importing Dairy Breed Slaughter Cattle from Michigan's Federal TB-Free Zone
Dairy breed cattle designated as slaughter animals but not sent directly to a slaughter establishment must meet import requirements above.
Lactating dairy slaughter cattle imported DIRECTLY to a slaughter establishment are not required to be tested for influenza or TB prior to movement to slaughter. However, they must meet the following requirements:
- Movement documentation:
- CVI with official identification listed OR
- Owner Hauler Statement, submitted to the state of origin AND state of destination; visit the Owner Hauler Statement webpage for instructions
- Lactating dairy cattle with clinical signs consistent with influenza are ineligible for import for any purpose including slaughter.
- Lactating dairy cattle from herds with a positive influenza test result within the last 30 days are ineligible for import including direct to slaughter.
Nonlactating dairy cattle, including dry cows, heifers, or calves going directly to a slaughter establishment are not required to have official individual ID, influenza testing, TB testing, or a CVI. However, they must have a backtag and an owner hauler statement, or other paperwork that contains the required information of an owner hauler statement such as a bill of lading or bill of sale.
Owner Hauler Statement Requirements:
- Location from which the animals originated
- Destination of the animals (not the address of the consignee)
- Total number of animals
- Species of animals
- Name and address of the owner at the time of the movement
- Name and address of the hauler
Importing Beef Breed Slaughter Cattle or Bison from Michigan's Federal TB-Free Zone
Beef breed cattle and bison designated as slaughter animals but not sent directly to a slaughter establishment must meet import requirements above.
Beef cattle and bison going directly to slaughter are not required to have official individual ID, a CVI, or a TB test, but must have an owner hauler statement, or other paperwork that contains the required information of an owner hauler statement, such as a bill of lading or bill of sale.
Owner Hauler Statement Requirements:
- Location from which the animals originated
- Destination of the animals (not the address of the consignee)
- Total number of animals
- Species of animals
- Name and address of the owner at the time of the movement
- Name and address of the shipper
Exporting Cattle to Michigan's Federal TB-Free Zone
Import requirements are determined by the state of destination. Please contact Michigan to find out the import regulations for cattle and bison being imported from Wisconsin. Access the destination state’s contact information.
Cattle and bison that are traveling to the Michigan TB-Free Zone and returning to Wisconsin while the CVI is still valid may return with the same paperwork with no additional tests or statements required except for lactating dairy cattle. For lactating dairy cattle, a negative influenza test is required to return to the home herd if the exhibition or show they attend exceeds 10 days in length.
If the cattle and bison are scheduled to return after the date the CVI expires, they will need a new CVI issued by a local veterinarian licensed by and accredited in the state of Michigan and must meet the import requirements above.
Wisconsin is TB Accredited Free and Brucellosis Class Free.