WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the enrollment of 15 additional states in its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), bringing the total to 28 states. Together, these states account for nearly 65% of the nation’s milk production. This expansion marks a significant step in USDA’s ongoing efforts to monitor and combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) among dairy herds.
The comprehensive testing strategy is designed to provide a clearer understanding of H5N1’s presence in dairy herds while informing response measures to limit the virus’s spread. States recently joining the program include Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, and Minnesota, among others. The USDA has made rapid progress since launching the initiative in December 2024, with the goal of achieving nationwide participation among the contiguous 48 states.
“Across the country, a strong network of public and private veterinarians, as well as state and local agriculture and health officials, have been working hand-in-hand with USDA to make the National Milk Testing Strategy as robust a weapon as possible,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA remains fully committed to keeping people and animals safe from this virus.”
Multi-Stage Testing Framework
The NMTS employs a five-stage structure to classify testing activity and readiness within states. Among the 28 participating states, 11 have implemented state-level bulk tank milk sampling programs (Stage 2). California, the center of recent H5N1 detections, has advanced to Stage 3, indicating active rapid response efforts. Two states have initiated silo testing and are classified under Stage 1.
Testing outcomes are updated regularly through USDA reports. Notably, detections of H5N1 have been confirmed only in California and Texas, with no other active cases reported as of January 8, 2025. Early testing through the strategy has reaffirmed the absence of the virus in other regions, though continued monitoring remains critical.
Supporting Farmers and Public Health
Since the outbreak began in March 2024, USDA labs, including the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), have processed over 110,000 samples across livestock populations. These efforts include milk testing and individual animal assessments, providing insight into the virus’s movement and prevalence. Testing is offered free of charge to producers, with results shared directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health coordination.
Additional measures include the Federal Order issued in December 2024 requiring testing of lactating cows before interstate transfer, along with state-level testing programs tailored to regional needs. USDA has also utilized interactive tools, such as a publicly accessible map, to track H5N1 detections and provide an up-to-date overview of herd impacts nationwide.
Expedited Vaccine Development
Alongside testing efforts, USDA is advancing vaccine development for poultry and bovine species. These vaccines are considered a crucial element in reducing H5N1’s impact. USDA’s work involves a multiagency collaboration, joined by public health officials and international partners, to accelerate vaccine research, development, and deployment.
With the NMTS expansion and simultaneous strides in vaccine research, USDA continues to take decisive steps to protect the agricultural sector and public health against the threat of H5N1. The department remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding American farmers, livestock, and broader communities from the challenges posed by this outbreak.
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