The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the second wave of states joining its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), launched December 6, 2024. The NMTS requires the nationwide collection and testing of raw milk samples to enhance the understanding of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle.
This latest expansion brings seven additional states—Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington—into the program. Combined with the initial six states announced earlier, these 13 states represent a geographically diverse cross-section of the country, including eight of the top 15 dairy-producing states, which together account for nearly half of U.S. dairy production.
The NMTS is part of USDA’s broader effort to protect public health, livestock, and farmworkers. The program employs a structured, uniform testing approach to swiftly identify affected herds, implement enhanced biosecurity measures, and reduce farmworker exposure risks. Testing results will be shared in routine reports, and confirmed cases will be published on USDA’s livestock map for HPAI detections.
Key highlights of the NMTS include:
- Nationwide Surveillance: Gradual onboarding of all 48 contiguous states, ensuring comprehensive raw milk testing coverage.
- State Collaboration: Tailored support and resources for states developing bulk milk testing plans.
- Farmworker Protection: Enhanced guidance and financial assistance programs to promote biosecurity and safeguard workers.
USDA urges all livestock producers to review and strengthen biosecurity measures, emphasizing their critical role in preventing disease spread. Producers are encouraged to take advantage of financial assistance programs for biosecurity planning, PPE, and veterinary care.
This expanded testing initiative underscores USDA’s science-based approach to combat H5N1, with the ultimate goal of containing and eliminating the virus from the national dairy herd. Further details on biosecurity recommendations and financial assistance programs are available on the APHIS website.
