Last Modified: December 20, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State veterinary and public health officials are working together to protect livestock, farms, and communities from avian influenza.  

Our Response to Avian Influenza

  • Testing

In partnership with State veterinarians, USDA is implementing a National Milk Testing Strategy that will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the Nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. The strategy is designed to increase our understanding of the virus’ spread in the United States; support the rapid implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of transmission to other livestock; and inform critical efforts to protect farmworkers to help lower their risk of exposure.

This new strategy builds on measures we have taken since the beginning of the avian influenza outbreak to contain the virus. This includes those taken by States and national risk mitigation measures like USDA's April 2024 Federal Order, which requires testing before cattle movement between States and has helped limit the spread of H5N1 to new States.

Producer Support Programs

Some options are available to all dairy producers; others are available only to dairy producers with HPAI-positive herds. Learn how USDA can help you in the following areas:

Get the Facts

Below are answers to a few key questions about the detection of HPAI in dairy herds.

Questions?

If you have questions or want to enroll in any of USDA's producer support programs, contact your State animal health official or APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge.

Find Your Area Veterinarian in Charge

Man holding clipboard standing outside a cow barn