Updated on July 11, 2024.
What is HPAI/H5N1?
According to FDA, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease of poultry that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (5) and A (7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other animal species.
It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans. Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred.
More information and Updates
Map of confirmed cases
To date, there has not been a positive test for H5N1 in dairy cattle in Wisconsin. It is important to continue to note that the U.S. FDA and USDA have continued to study and strongly assert that our commercial milk supply is safe because of both the pasteurization process and the required diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows. Pasteurization has continuously been proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses in milk.
Quick facts you need to know:
There has not been a positive case in Wisconsin.
- Milk from your local grocery store is safe because it goes through a pasteurization process that inactivates viruses and bacteria.
- Farmers are doing what they can on the farm level to protect their cows, workers and themselves by keeping biosecurity front of mind.
- Information can be found on Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Protection’s website.
Farmers are Dedicated to a Safe Food Supply
How can we ensure milk is safe to drink?
The FDA and USDA continue to emphasize that our commercial milk supply is safe because of both the pasteurization process and that milk from sick cows is being diverted or destroyed. The federal-state milk safety system, and the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, have proven effective for decades against a wide range of pathogens.
Data from FDA studies on H5N1 show that pasteurization is very likely to effectively inactivate heat-sensitive viruses in fluid milk and other dairy products. Furthermore, thermal inactivation of HPAI has been successful during the pasteurization process for eggs, which occurs at lower temperatures than what is used for fluid milk. The FDA and USDA are continuing to work closely to collect and evaluate additional data and information specific to HPAI A (H5N1) to support our state co-regulators as they manage this emerging disease in dairy cattle.
Additionally, USDA and APHIS testing indicates standard food inspection processes and proper cooking ensure beef continues to be safe.
According to FDA, the U.S. government partners are working with all deliberate speed on a wide range of studies looking at milk along all stages of production, including on the farm, during processing and on shelves.
What are farmers doing on the farm level to make sure this is true?
Ensuring they keep their farm workers safe.
Safety for farm workers is important on all farms. Here are some resources for farmers to make sure they have adequate resources.
- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has a fact sheet for those working in the dairy industry to help stay safe.
- People exposed or suspected to have been exposed to infected animals should be monitored for signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness beginning after their first exposure and for 10 days after their last exposure.
- To help provide protection for farmers, their families and employees, DHS has Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to dairy farms, poultry farms, dairy processing plants, slaughterhouses, or agency supporting farm or slaughterhouse workers, at no cost.
Reviewing all Biosecurity and Considering these Recommendations
National Milk Producers Federation provides the following recommendations:
- Minimize cattle movement and conduct premovement testing.
- Quarantine new animals and separate them for 21 days; avoid shared space with existing livestock.
- Limit non-essential visitors. To the extent possible, restrict farm access to essential personnel only; enforce clean clothing and footwear.
- Limit vehicles and control vehicle access and establish designated routes.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and sanitize handling and milking equipment rigorously.
- Follow milking best practices to maintain mammary health; sanitize milking equipment after use with quarantined or sick animals.
- Isolate sick animals and move you suspect may be sick to dedicated pens.
- Use heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized milk to feed calves and other farm animals rather than raw milk.
- Create a Custom Biosecurity Plan for your farm
- Review these Biosecurity resources
Testing and Reporting
- Testing
- USDA issues a Federal Order on December 6th, 2024 requiring the testing of raw (unpasteurized) milk to detect and provide data for the control and eradication of HPAI. Samples will be collected at facilities that ship, receive, or transfer bulk raw (unpasteurized) cow’s milk intended for pasteurization.
- DATCP issued an order June 11th, 2024 requiring all lactating animals be tested no more than 7 days prior to attending a fair or exhibition. Farmers with questions should consult with their veterinarian or review this Frequently Asked Questions document.
- USDA has a standing order requiring testing of lactating animals prior to movement across state lines. If a lactating animal that does not show symptoms is moving across state lines direct to slaughter it is not required to have a negative test but must move on a certificate of veterinary inspection. DATCP has an online form set up to help facilitate these movements.
- Voluntary testing program
