HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has introduced a mandatory bulk testing requirement for milk to combat the potential spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). While the virus has not been identified in Pennsylvania dairy cattle to date, state officials are prioritizing preventive measures as cases continue to rise in other parts of the nation.
Providing testing services at no cost to farmers, the state aims to maintain the health of its agricultural industry and protect its workforce from the economic and operational challenges posed by HPAI. Milk samples will now be routinely collected from bulk milk tankers and tested to detect early signs of the virus.
“Taking this proactive step will ensure that we can protect our cattle, poultry, and farmworkers,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “We are taking this step after careful consideration, in consultation with dairy and poultry farmers, and after voluntary testing was not adequate to get samples necessary for detection and prevention. Pennsylvania’s large number of farms with both dairy cattle and poultry present unique risks that demand extra vigilance.”
Understanding the Testing Process
The precautionary measure requires milk samples to be taken from bulk milk tankers that transport milk from Pennsylvania farms to processing facilities. Processors located in Pennsylvania will collect samples at their plants, while tankers delivering out of state will have samples collected by shippers, whether they are individual farmers or cooperatives. All samples must be submitted to an approved laboratory within 48 hours for testing.
The initiative is designed to identify the presence of HPAI in its early stages. Should the virus be detected, additional investigations will be launched to trace the source. Affected farms will be subject to special quarantine measures to contain and eradicate the virus.
State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg emphasized the importance of these efforts. “Increased, proactive testing is the only way to confirm that we don’t have the virus in Pennsylvania dairy cows or catch it early and stamp it out if we do, so farms can quickly get back to normal,” Hamberg stated. “We’ve seen in other states that the virus shows up in milk before cows show clinical signs of illness. The virus has spread in other states by moving dairy cows from one farm to another, then it has spread among cows. It can be carried on contaminated equipment, trucks, and farmworkers’ footwear and clothing moving between farms and buildings. Rigorous biosecurity, including disinfecting boots, equipment, and vehicles, and using footbaths at barn entryways is critical.”
Broader Implications for Farmers and the Industry
The decision to require precautionary testing is not without precedent; states like California, Colorado, Michigan, and Oklahoma have implemented similar programs in response to HPAI. For Pennsylvania, a state with a robust agricultural economy valued at $132.5 billion annually and home to over 593,000 jobs, taking steps to mitigate risks is vital.
“Without this knowledge, we cannot take appropriate action to prevent the spread to neighboring farms,” said Chuck Turner, President of Turner Dairy Farms in Allegheny County. “We feel we have a responsibility to our family dairy partners, employees, and consumers to do the right thing to ensure safety and mitigate negative impacts to the industry. I appreciate the leadership of the PA Department of Ag to prevent the spread of avian flu, and believe they are making the right decision to require bulk milk testing.”
Turner Dairy, which processes milk from family farms across Pennsylvania, has been voluntarily testing its milk for HPAI for 20 weeks. Their measures reflect industry-wide efforts to safeguard cattle and prevent adverse impacts on the state’s large dairy and poultry sectors.
A Coordinated, Proactive Approach
Pennsylvania has made strides in combating HPAI, including becoming the first state in 2024 to issue a quarantine order for testing dairy cattle entering its borders. This move was subsequently adopted by the USDA and other states. Beyond regulatory measures, Pennsylvania’s government has made significant investments in agricultural infrastructure and biosecurity.
The state’s efforts include the establishment of a specialized fund to help poultry farmers recover from avian influenza outbreaks, expand laboratory services for faster disease detection in western Pennsylvania, and research new technology to prevent future outbreaks. Collaborative efforts with organizations such as the Centers for Dairy Excellence and Penn State Extension ensure that farmers remain informed and supported.
“This approach is about protecting the two largest components of Pennsylvania’s agriculture—dairy and poultry,” Redding said. “By taking preventative steps now, we’re ensuring sustainability and resilience in the face of any future outbreaks.”
The implementation of this testing requirement exemplifies Pennsylvania’s efforts to safeguard its agricultural industry while maintaining the health of its livestock and the confidence of consumers in dairy product safety. With a large network of interconnected farms, the state is taking no chances, ensuring that preventive policies and robust systems are in place to manage risk effectively.
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