Influenza A in Dairy Cattle

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. 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 Dairy HPAI in Pennsylvania, please refer to our HPAI Control Area Address Checker.

Sampling / Submitting

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

  • Bulk tank samples that represent the entire herd should be collected. Note that some herds may have multiple tanks to be collected that represent the entire milking herd.
  • 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.
  • See Voluntary Monitoring Program (individual farms) tab for additional information.

For interstate movement or exhibition purposes

Milk and mammary tissue are the preferred samples from lactating animals.

  • Bulk tank samples that represent the entire herd should be collected. Note that some herds may have multiple tanks to be collected that represent the entire milking herd.
  • Individual animal specimens (up to 10 clinical animals) or a representative group sample should be collected from those lactating animals exhibiting clinical signs. Animals in the sick pen should be considered for sampling as that might not be included in the bulk tank collections.
  • For individual animals, collect 5-10 mL of milk from all four quarters into one sterile tube. These are not to be pooled on farm.
  • Samples which are collected by the producer must be submitted to PADLS with the veterinarian’s name included on the general submission form. The herd veterinarian coordinates with PDA regarding testing at PADLS labs.

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:

  • Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory Pennsylvania
    Department of Agriculture
    2305 N. Cameron Street
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9405
    Phone: 717-787-8808
  • University of Pennsylvania, School of Vet Med,
    New Bolton Center, PADLS
    382 West Street Rd
    Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348-1692
    Phone: 610-925-6725
  • Pennsylvania State University,
    Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
    131 Pastureview Rd
    University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
    Phone: 814-863-0837

HPAI Temporary Sample Drop-off Sites

Note: There are currently no HPAI drop-off locations being operated.


HPAI Lab Weekend Schedule

Effective April 18, 2025, weekend testing is no longer available except for approved emergency calls. The PADLS emergency testing must be authorized by BAHDS (call 717-772-2852, option 1). Please do not bring samples for HPAI testing to any PADLS lab on a weekend or holiday without prior authorization and instructions.


MMIT for Milk Processors or Cooperatives

Mandatory Milk Influenza A Testing Program

Testing to date:
Bi-weekly Cycle Ending Farms Tested
12-09-20242558
12-23-20245919
1-6-20252475
1-20-20256491
2-3-20256836
2-17-20246115
3/3/20256544
3/17/20256368
3/31/20256362
4/14/20255782

PDA Lactating Dairy Cattle Health Monitoring 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

Sick Cattle

  1. If clinical signs in the dairy herd meet the USDA case definition (see below), please contact your veterinarian, who should call the PDA emergency line immediately at 717-772-2852, option 1:
    • A decrease in feed consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination and rumen motility;
    • Respiratory signs including clear nasal discharge;
    • Subsequent acute drop in milk production
    • Additionally may include abnormal tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, and fever.
    • Severely affected cattle may have thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk or produce no milk at all.
  2. If sick or dead birds are present on the dairy premises:
    • If wild birds, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission (1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-742-9453) or USDA Wildlife Services ( 717-236-9451) for assistance. These agencies may also be able to assist you with wild bird mitigation.
    • If domestic poultry, report to PDA using the emergency line at 717-772-2852, option 1.
  3. If the dairy case definition is met, PDA will advise the herd veterinarian to collect samples for testing. In some cases the producer may collect samples under the supervision of the herd veterinarian if the proper sampling supplies are available. If the case definition is not met, the PDA on-call veterinarian will work with the herd veterinarian to investigate any other regulatory disease as appropriate.
  4. Milk and mammary tissue are the preferred samples from lactating animals.
    • Individual animal specimens (up to 10 clinical animals) or a representative group sample should be collected from those lactating animals exhibiting clinical signs. Animals in the sick pen should be considered for sampling as that might not be included in the bulk tank collections.
    • For individual animals, collect 5-10 mL of milk from all four quarters into one sterile tube. These are not to be pooled on farm.
    • Additionally, bulk tank samples that represent the entire herd should be collected. Note that some herds may have multiple tanks to be collected that represent the entire milking herd.
    • Samples which are collected by the producer must be submitted to PADLS with the veterinarian’s name included on the general submission form. The herd veterinarian coordinates with PDA regarding testing at PADLS labs.

Diagnostic testing performed at :

  • Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory Pennsylvania
    Department of Agriculture
    2305 N. Cameron Street
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9405
    Phone: 717-787-8808
  • University of Pennsylvania, School of Vet Med,
    New Bolton Center, PADLS
    382 West Street Rd
    Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348-1692
    Phone: 610-925-6725
  • Pennsylvania State University,
    Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
    131 Pastureview Ln
    University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
    Phone: 814-863-0837

Permitting

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
Milk Cattle Poultry
  • Movements of milk to a processing facility for pasteurization will require issuance of a 30-day movement permit
    • Milk may only move to a processing facility.
    • A biosecurity plan (Including the FARM Everyday biosecurity plan and the PDA supplement) must be in place for a permit to be issued. This documentation must be approved by the Department. Submit to biosecurity team at RA-AGBioplans@pa.gov
    • Direct movement permit requests to the permit team resource account RA-AG-PAPERMITS@PA.GOV
  • Live animal movements require the following:
    • A biosecurity plan approved by the bureau
    • Issuance of a specific movement permit
    • Official identification placed prior to movement
  • Lactating dairy cattle: ONLY movements directly to slaughter are allowable
  • Bull calves, heifers, dry cows, and other non-lactating cattle may move off the premises under permit. Movement of these animals to market or auction is NOT allowable.
  • Bull calves, heifers, dry cows, and other non-lactating cattle may move off the premises under permit. Movement of these animals to market or auction is NOT allowable.
    • Animals entering an infected premises must be housed separately from the milking herd
  • Poultry, if present, are also under quarantine.  Permits are needed for movement off the premises, including for eggs, which follow the HPAI permit requirements in the Secure Poultry Supply (SPS) Plan which require an approved biosecurity plan and appropriate testing. Testing timeframes will follow SPS guidance for control areas.

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 HPAI Control Area Address Checker can determine proximity to known areas with HPAI.