Bird Flu Paper Chase: USDA Wants Farmer Input on Testing Rules
Published Date: 5/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture wants your thoughts on new rules about testing and reporting bird flu in animals and milk. Farmers, vets, and milk producers will be affected by these changes, which aim to keep everyone safe without adding too much paperwork. You’ve got until June 30, 2025, to share your comments online—so don’t miss out on having your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Pre-move testing for dairy cattle
A Federal Order dated April 24, 2024 requires testing lactating dairy cattle before they move across State lines. This rule affects dairy producers who ship cattle interstate and is part of USDA efforts after H5N1 detections were found in dairy cattle.
Raw milk testing at interstate milk facilities
A second Federal Order, issued December 6, 2024, adds testing of raw (unpasteurized) milk and requires sample collection at facilities that ship, receive, or transfer milk interstate. As of April 11, 2025, USDA reported 1,020 HPAI H5N1 detections in 17 States, and the raw milk testing is intended to detect and provide data for control and eradication.
Mandatory lab and vet reporting of positive results
Laboratories and State veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection results (for example, PCR or genetic sequencing) from diagnostic samples obtained from livestock, including raw milk, to APHIS. The information collection lists 2,650 respondents, with reporting frequencies of on occasion and quarterly, and a total estimated burden of 82,655 hours.
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Key Dates
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