The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced that 15 additional states have joined the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), bringing the total to 28 states within a month of the program’s launch. These states represent nearly 65% of the nation’s milk production. The strategy aims to enhance H5N1 surveillance in dairy herds and inform broader disease mitigation efforts. Concurrently, the USDA is accelerating the development of H5N1 vaccines for use in poultry and cattle to combat the ongoing outbreak.
National Milk Testing Strategy Progress
The National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) is rapidly expanding, with 15 new states enrolling, including Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, Minnesota, and Virginia. This brings the total to 28 states, representing a significant step toward achieving nationwide milk surveillance for H5N1 among dairy herds. The enrolled states account for nearly two-thirds of the U.S. milk supply, reflecting robust national engagement with this critical public health initiative.
Since its inception in December 2024, the NMTS has categorized states into five stages of testing and response readiness. California has reached Stage 3, actively addressing H5N1 detections, while 11 states are in Stage 2 with bulk tank sampling underway. Real-time updates on state testing progress and results are available through USDA’s interactive NMTS website and map.
Testing has confirmed active H5N1 detections in dairy herds in California and Texas. However, early results suggest the virus is not widespread, as NMTS testing has not uncovered new affected states. USDA anticipates further refinement of the disease surveillance network as more states join the program.
Enhanced Vaccine Development for Poultry and Cattle
As part of its multi-pronged strategy to address H5N1, USDA is accelerating vaccine development for poultry and dairy cattle. In dairy cattle, where a successful vaccine is likely to be a more practical solution, the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has approved seven vaccine candidates for field safety trials. These trials aim to ensure safety, efficacy, and minimized virus shedding.
For poultry, USDA is updating existing avian influenza vaccines to match current outbreak strains and creating a national vaccine stockpile. While practical challenges and trade implications remain, USDA’s commitment to robust vaccine research demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the outbreak.
Tools and Resources for Farmers
Farmers are encouraged to adopt strong biosecurity measures and participate in USDA’s producer support programs, which cover costs for biosecurity training, PPE, and veterinary care. Resources and financial assistance details are available through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website or local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.
Call to Action
USDA urges producers to remain vigilant and participate in testing programs to protect their herds and communities. For the latest updates on the National Milk Testing Strategy, vaccine development, and confirmed H5N1 cases, visit the USDA’s APHIS website.
