WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ramped up its fight against the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 with a groundbreaking strategy that puts the nation’s milk supply under the microscope. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the addition of seven more states to its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), launched earlier this month. The NMTS requires raw milk samples nationwide to be tested as part of an unprecedented effort to track and halt the virus in dairy cattle.
This second round of states—Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington—joins six initial states, representing a significant milestone in the country’s escalating response to H5N1 in livestock. Together, these 13 states account for nearly half of U.S. dairy production and include a mix of regions already hit by the outbreak and others hoping to prevent its arrival.
“This isn’t just about milk; it’s about ensuring the safety of our food supply, protecting farmworkers on the front lines, and supporting rural economies that depend on healthy herds,” the USDA declared in its announcement.
Why Milk Testing, and Why Now?
The stakes are high. H5N1 in dairy cattle represents a dual threat—one to the safety of the national milk supply and another to the health of farmworkers. Since the first outbreak in March 2024, the virus has loomed as a significant risk to farms across the country. Milk testing is the USDA’s latest weapon in a broader arsenal to detect, contain, and ultimately eliminate this viral threat.
The NMTS aims to create a uniform, nationwide system for testing unpasteurized milk—a key step in understanding the virus’ spread and implementing enhanced biosecurity measures. By identifying infections quickly, the USDA hopes to slow transmission, protect unaffected herds, and provide crucial data to improve virus management.
“This federal order represents a shift from reaction to prevention,” APHIS officials noted. “Early detection is our best defense, and nationwide milk testing gives us the edge we need.”
How It Works
Under the new strategy, each participating state must collect and analyze raw milk samples from their dairy herds before sharing the data with federal authorities. Results from these tests will be integrated into APHIS’ public reports and used to update the HPAI confirmed cases in livestock map. This transparency ensures that all stakeholders—from public health officials to local farmers—are equipped with real-time information.
The rollout of the NMTS is deliberate yet urgent. While the first six states are already collecting samples, the newly added seven are expected to begin testing in the coming weeks. The USDA has emphasized its intention to work closely with each state to develop bulk milk testing plans that meet localized needs while adhering to uniform federal guidelines. The goal? Achieve participation across the contiguous 48 states.
Building a Wall of Defense
One of the NMTS’ defining features is its ability to inform biosecurity practices at both the state and farm levels. Dairy producers across the country are being urged to reassess their protective measures, even if H5N1 hasn’t reached their region yet. “Biosecurity isn’t optional—it’s the frontline defense we cannot ignore,” the USDA stressed.
Best practices include restricting visitor access to farms, regularly disinfecting equipment, and ensuring workers have proper personal protective equipment (PPE). For farms already balancing tight budgets, the USDA has extended financial support programs to cover PPE costs, veterinary care, and biosecurity planning.
Critically, the NMTS doesn’t work in isolation. It feeds into USDA’s broader science-driven approach to disease management, combining testing, surveillance, and research to tackle H5N1 head-on.
A First Line of Protection
The focus on milk is significant. Unpasteurized milk acts as an ideal medium for viral testing, providing valuable insights into whether H5N1 has infiltrated a herd. By starting with raw milk, the USDA can quickly identify outbreaks and isolate affected herds before the virus spreads further.
For the dairy industry, this is both a safeguard and a reassurance. By participating in the NMTS, producers are actively defending the integrity of their product while protecting national food security.
What’s Next?
The USDA’s goal is clear—total participation from all 48 mainland states. While the logistics of onboarding every state are complex, the NMTS represents an essential move toward comprehensive control of H5N1 in dairy cattle. The USDA has pledged to provide the resources and guidance necessary to make this strategy a success.
“This isn’t the endgame,” the USDA stated. “Testing is one piece of the puzzle. Our broader strategy—built on data, biosecurity, and partnerships—remains our strongest tool for eradicating H5N1.”
Implications for Public Confidence
Beyond the farms and federal laboratories, the NMTS has a broader cultural impact. Everyday Americans depend on a safe and reliable food supply. The USDA’s proactive measures send a strong message of accountability and reassurance to the public.
For farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, the stakes aren’t just ecological; they’re economic. Livelihoods depend on healthy herds, functional supply chains, and trust in a system that rewards safety and vigilance.
A Step Toward a Safer Future
The NMTS rollout represents a pivotal moment in the fight against H5N1. By focusing on early detection and biosecurity, the USDA is laying the foundation for a future where outbreaks are contained swiftly, and devastating losses are minimized.
With this strategy in motion, the USDA aims to ensure that dairy farms across the country are no longer playing defense but leading the charge in safeguarding the nation’s milk supply—and with it, the health and confidence of the American people. The war on H5N1 isn’t over, but with NMTS, the USDA has taken a major step toward victory.
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