In an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N1) in dairy cattle, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is requiring Influenza A testing prior to movement of lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions effective beginning June 19, 2024. 

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has now confirmed the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in 90 dairy herds in 12 states including Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. Access the full list of H5N1 detections in livestock.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has recommended that measures be taken to minimize the potential spread of influenza. In addition to the USDA Federal Order that requires Influenza A testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle, DATCP's announcement will limit the risk of commingling infected animals.

In order to move lactating dairy cattle to fairs or exhibitions within the state, producers must receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory with samples collected no more than 7 days prior to movement to the fair or exhibition. This testing is available to producers at no cost through USDA APHIS at NAHLN laboratories. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples. This intrastate order requiring a negative Influenza A test prior to travelling to a show or exhibition will remain in effect until 60 days after the last detection of H5N1 in cattle herds in the United States.

DATCP has created a document with frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Wisconsin order and will continue updating it. Access the FAQ document on the sidebar of DATCP's HPAI (H5N1) in Dairy Cattle webpage or through this direct link.

While this effort seeks to limit the spread of this disease, further prevention efforts are advised. The DATCP Division of Animal Health (DAH) provides the following recommendations for biosecurity:

Exhibitor Biosecurity

DAH recommends dairy producers prioritize protecting the health of their home farm and review biosecurity practices with their herd veterinarian. If dairy producers choose to participate in shows and exhibitions, consider:

• Isolating animals that return from a show or exhibition from the home herd for at least two weeks
• Testing animals that return from a show or exhibition prior to reintroduction to the home herd
• Avoiding the use of shared equipment, especially milking equipment between cows from different herds

Dairy Event Biosecurity

Since March, the USDA has recommended limiting non-essential movements of cattle. If lactating dairy cattle are exhibited, DAH asks event coordinators to consider:

• Reducing the days cattle are on site to less than 72 hours
• Limiting commingling of cattle from different herds
• Limiting commingling of lactating and nonlactating cattle
• Preventing commingling of different species
• Reducing spectator contact with animals on exhibit
• Create a biosecurity plan that reduces risks of spreading disease between exhibitors, including cleaning of any commonly used equipment between uses
• Making a plan for collecting, treating, and disposing of milk collected during the exhibition as well as cleaning between use

Producers should continue to enhance their biosecurity efforts and monitor and control disease in their herds and flocks. DATCP is closely monitoring HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle and continues to encourage producers that notice unusual clinical signs in their cattle to work with their herd veterinarian. To report herds with unexplained symptoms, veterinarians should contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends).

As part of this continued attention to biosecurity, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is encouraging those who work with animals or materials that could be potentially infected with novel influenza A viruses to take appropriate precautions and wear appropriate PPE as listed in the CDC guidance. Request PPE from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services medical stockpile. 

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
https://datcp.wi.gov