In response to reports of Influenza A virus affecting dairy cattle in multiple states (no PA herds have been affected at this time), PDA has developed a standardized response protocol for handling affected herds, including herds which may be located on a premises with poultry. Influenza A in cattle is classified as an “emerging” disease, and has recently been added to the Pennsylvania Dangerous Transmissible Disease list by temporary quarantine order.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity information for dairy herds can be found at the following site: NMPF-AABP-Dairy-Cattle-Biosecurity-H5N1-Virus-1.pdf or biosecurity tips for milk haulers Cattle or poultry suspects should be reported through the PDA emergency line, at 717-772-2852, option 1. The veterinarian on call will return your call ASAP.
For routine biosecurity, a FARM biosecurity plan with PDA supplement is recommended. (insert link to FARM Biosecurity Packet with PDA Supplement). The approved completed documents are required for continuity of business for farms quarantined for H5N1 avian influenza . Submission of the FARM biosecurity plan with PDA supplement to RA-AGBIOPLANS@pa.gov for approval will expedite the process for obtaining permits to move dairy animals or milk off of a farm quarantined for H5N1 avian influenza.
Additional information can be found at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service webpage, HPAI in Livestock | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. HPAI Confirmed Cases in Livestock can be found here, HPAI Confirmed Cases in Livestock | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Current Status in Pennsylvania
For the current status of HPAI in Pennsylvania, please refer to our Control Area Address Checker.
Testing dairy cattle for Influenza Virus can be collected from individual animals, bulk tank specimens that represent the entire milking herd, or by the tanker load.
For Mandatory Milk Influenza Testing by the truckload
Supplies for sample kits can be obtained by emailing pvl@pa.gov or calling 717-787-8808. Kits are available for the voluntary dairy farms and for the mandatory milk influenza testing for haulers and cooperatives.
For Voluntary Monitoring Program for individual farms
For interstate movement or exhibition purposes
Milk and mammary tissue are the preferred samples from lactating animals.
If cows are not lactating, deep nasal swabs are the best sample type. A single sterile swab with at least a 6 inch handle may be used to sample both nostrils. Ensure the mucosa in the nasal passage is brushed firmly with the swab. After both nasal passages have been sampled, the swab is placed in PrimeStore MTM, BHI, or Saline (least preferable). Vigorously swirl the swab in the media, express fluid by pressing the swab agaist the side of the tube and remove the swab. Do not retain the swab in the media. PrimeStore MTM is the only media that can be submitted without ice packs; do not submit dry swabs. Nasal swabs cannot be pooled.
Diagnostic testing will be performed at:
Mandatory Milk Influenza A Testing Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is encouraging all Pennsylvania dairies to enroll
in the voluntary Lactating Dairy Cow Health Monitoring Program. This program will provide
critical data on the health status of dairy cattle in Pennsylvania to ensure that our state
remains free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Enrolled farms will benefit by no longer
being required to individually test cattle prior to interstate movement. Testing will be
performed at no cost to producers, and the Department will provide necessary sampling supplies
upon enrollment. The enrollment form must be signed by the producer and their accredited
veterinarian and returned to the Department by email at (
RA-ahds@pa.gov), by fax (717-787-1868), or mail at the address below. For questions about
the program, please contact the Department at 717-307-3259 or (
RA-ahds@pa.gov).
PA Lactating Dairy Cattle Health Monitoring Program - information
PA Lactating Dairy Cattle Health Monitoring Program - Details and Enrollment Form
Diagnostic testing performed at :
All dairy farms that have detected Influenza results will be placed under an Order of Special Quarantine which restricts movement of milk and all poultry and livestock species, except horses onto and off of the premises. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture can issue permits for continuity of business, if necessary, while preventing further disease spread. The table below provides additional details to assist in that process.
Movement Restrictions
Table 6.1 Movement Restrictions | ||
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Milk | Cattle | Poultry |
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For permitting questions call (223) 666-2555. For fastest response, leave a message including your contact info, or email RA-AG-PAPERMITS@PA.GOV
The Control Area Address Checker can determine proximity to known areas with HPAI.
PSU Extension: What you need to know about dairy cattle and poultry HPAI
Biosecurity
for milk haulers
Biosecurity Requirements for Milk Movement Permits from Flu A Cattle Quarantine Premises
Center for Dairy Excellence biosecurity kit request at Request
an Everyday Biosecurity Kit - Center for Dairy Excellence
Regarding the Mandatory Milk Influenza testing for haulers and cooperatives