USDA Extends Bird Flu Milk Testing Data Collection for Dairy Safety
Published Date: 2/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants to keep collecting info on testing milk from dairy cows for a bird flu called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This helps protect farmers and the public by tracking the disease in livestock. They’re asking for comments by April 21, 2025, and this process won’t cost farmers extra money but keeps safety checks in place.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Ongoing milk testing information collection
USDA/APHIS is seeking OMB approval to continue collecting information tied to testing milk from dairy cattle for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). They estimate the public burden at 1.065 hours per response, about 1,650 respondents, 35.7 responses per respondent (about 58,860 responses total), and 62,705 total annual burden hours, and they ask for public comments by April 21, 2025.
Pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle
A Federal Order issued April 24, 2024 requires testing lactating dairy cattle prior to interstate movement to limit spread of H5N1. This testing requirement applies to animals moved across State lines as part of efforts to control the outbreak.
Mandatory raw milk testing and lab reporting
A Federal Order issued December 6, 2024 requires testing of raw (unpasteurized) milk at facilities that ship, receive, or transfer milk interstate, and requires laboratories and State veterinarians to report positive influenza A nucleic acid detection results (for example, PCR or genetic sequencing) to APHIS.
Interstate movement prohibition for infected animals
APHIS already prohibits interstate movement of animals infected with HPAI under 9 CFR 71.3(b); the testing and reporting framework supports enforcement of these movement restrictions.
Tracing and epidemiological information requirement
Owners of herds whose dairy cattle test positive for HPAI (either for interstate movement testing or via mandatory raw milk testing) are required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing, to State animal health officials for follow up.
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