A recent policy from the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes it so lactating dairy cattle moving out of Indiana for interstate commerce no longer need to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
These updated requirements are based on the HPAI testing status of the state of origin. National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) unaffected states no longer need to be tested for HPAI. Currently, Indiana is classified at NMTS Stage 4, Unaffected. For the areas still requiring testing, the samples must be collected from each quarter within 7 days of movement with negative results.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says it will still continue to monitor the state’s commercial milk support to make sure the status remains unaffected. Pasteurization has been proven to inactivate the HPAI virus.
