Cattle and Bison Movement

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) ​Detections in Cattle 
The U.S. Department (USDA) issued a Federal O​rder​ designed to reduce the risk of HPAI (H5N1) spreading among cattle and poultry. The Federal Order is effective Monday, April 29 and requires:

  • Mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
    • These steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle. USDA requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.
  • Mandatory reporting of positive tests
    • Laboratories must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS
    • Laboratories must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS

Additionally, cattle entering the state must meet import requirements which in most instances will include a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). 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​

General Import Rules for Cattle​​

  • Official Identific​ation:
    • "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 certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
  • Test results
    • Must be current and complete.
    • Must not be out-of-date or "pending."
    • Must be included on the CVI.
  • If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in Wisconsin 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 import of M-branded cattle imported directly from Mexico, please contact us.
  • For bovines that are part of a rodeo, circus,​ or menagerie, please also visit the circuses, rodeos, and menageries webpage.
  • For animals that are an exotic ruminant species, such as yaks and water buffalo, please visit the exotic species webpage.
  • Out-of-state organizers and Wisconsin participants of consignment sales that may include animals from Michigan's Modified Accredited zone should visit the Michigan ​MA bovine import page or call the import coordinator to discuss tuberculosis testing and import requirements.