Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Resources and News
On March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in samples collected from dairy cattle in the United States. The agency confirmed there is no threat to human health, and milk and meat remain safe to consume.
Colorado Livestock Association is carefully monitoring information regarding the outbreak. We are continuing to provide accurate information for producers and will be updating this page as needed with resources from federal and state agencies.
Please contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture directly at 303-869-9130 or animalhealth@state.co.us if you have any questions or concerns.
Updates on H5N1 Beef Safety Studies
May 01, 2024
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing results from its testing of retail ground beef. FSIS collected 30 samples of ground beef from retail outlets in the states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection. The samples were sent to APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for PCR testing. On May 1, NVSL reported that all samples tested negative for H5N1. These results reaffirm that the meat supply is safe.
Clarification Regarding Movement of Cattle Through Markets or Auctions to Slaughter, Under the April 24 Federal Order
Issued April 27, 2024
USDA APHIS continues to receive questions related to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to sale barns and auction markets under the Federal Order and associated guidance, effective on April 29.
This message is to clarify that the Federal Order does not apply to the intrastate movement of a lactating dairy cow to a sale barn. Subsequent interstate movement for a lactating dairy cow from a sale barn directly to a slaughter facility requires only a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal is clinically healthy; no testing is necessary.
This clarifies the requirements for states where direct to slaughter movements are limited but cattle movements flow through sale barns and auctions for consolidation and movement as a "lot" to slaughter out of state. We are announcing this clarification over the weekend to ensure small farms have the guidance necessary to continue to move cull cattle and limit animal welfare issues.
USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza
April 24, 2024
To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.
Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:
Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle
- Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
- Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
- Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.
- As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.
Mandatory Reporting
- Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.
- Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS.
FDA Reaffirms that Pasteurization is Effective Against HPAI, Commercial Milk Supply Safe
April 23, 2024
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed again today that pasteurization of milk consistent with the federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) destroys harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other viruses. The data cited by FDA is consistent with many other studies demonstrating that the legally required temperature and time for milk pasteurization will readily inactivate HPAI. Viral fragments detected after pasteurization are nothing more than evidence that the virus is dead; they have zero impact on human health. Further, the federal PMO prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain. Milk and milk products produced and processed in the United States are among the safest in the world.
Information from Federal and State Agencies
- U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
- USDA Federal Order - Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock
- USDA FAQ - Federal Order to Assist with Developing a Baseline of Critical Information and Limiting the Spread of H5N1 in Dairy Cattle
- USDA Guidance Document - aphis-requirements-recommendations-hpai-livestock.pdf (usda.gov)
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock
- Colorado Department of Agriculture - Colorado HPAI Response
- Colorado Department of Agriculture - Emergency Rules for the Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cattle adopted April 30, 2024 by the Colorado Agriculture Commission.
Resources for Livestock Owners
Source: Colorado Department of Agriculture
Updated as of April 24, 2024
To date, no cases have been identified in Colorado and the State Veterinarian’s office continues to monitor the situation.
There is no threat to human health: commercial milk supply remains safe due to both federal animal health requirements and pasteurization, which kills influenza viruses.
Wild migratory birds are the source of infection and viral testing and an investigation is ongoing. There have been no reports of similar clinical symptoms in beef herds in any of the affected areas.
Symptoms in dairy cows include low appetite, decreased milk production and abnormal colostrum-like milk.
Dairy cattle and other livestock owners whose animals are showing symptoms should contact their herd veterinarians.
Producers are encouraged to practice good biosecurity when coming or going from their farm and when traveling between farms. You can learn more about wild bird biosecurity on CDA's HPAI landing page.
Producers should consider pasteurization of all milk products being fed to calves.
Because this virus is spread by wild birds, limiting interaction with birds and wild bird feces may reduce risk of exposure.
Biosecurity Resources
In addition to biosecurity best management practices, it is recommended that dairies implement enhanced biosecurity measures to protect their facilities. As an immediate best practice, it is recommended to limit persons coming onto dairies to employees and essential personnel only.
Biosecurity guidelines are available from: