Pennsylvania mandates bulk milk testing to combat HPAI

By Blake Jackson

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced a new measure to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): mandatory bulk milk testing for all Pennsylvania farms. This proactive step is being taken to protect dairy cattle, poultry, and the state's agricultural industry.

"Taking this proactive step will ensure that we can protect our cattle, poultry, and farmworkers," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "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.”

The testing process involves collecting milk samples from bulk milk tank trucks, either at the farm or at the processing plant.

The samples will be tested for HPAI at a Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System lab. If the virus is detected, strict quarantine measures will be implemented to contain the outbreak.

“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,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg.

“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.”

This new measure complements existing biosecurity protocols, including strict cleaning and disinfection practices, limiting farm visits, and controlling access to livestock areas.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture continues to work closely with farmers, veterinarians, and industry partners to monitor the situation and provide guidance.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm