The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) continues to monitor for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in dairy cattle. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a federal order, that took effect on April 29, mandating testing for interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle as well as mandatory reporting of positive cases. HPAI has been detected in lactating dairy cattle in several states. There have been no reported detections of HPAI in Nebraska dairy cattle or other livestock.

To help protect the dairy herd in Nebraska, NDA has an importation order in place that requires all breeding female dairy cattle entering the state of Nebraska to obtain a permit issued by NDA prior to entry. The importation order has been extended until May 31, 2024, and will be re-evaluated at that time. To obtain a permit, producers must contact NDA at 402-471-2351. More information is available on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/imports.

“This is an evolving situation that continues to be a priority,” said State Veterinarian Roger Dudley, DMV. “We are in contact with Nebraska dairy producers, veterinarians, industry partners, and officials at the state and federal level. We are closely monitoring the situation and are here to put plans in place to protect Nebraska producers and their livestock, and to minimize the impact HPAI could have on dairy producers in the state.”

NDA recommends adhering to strict biosecurity practices in operations. If dairy producers notice symptoms - acute sudden drop in milk production, changes in milk color/consistency, decreased feed intake, and other clinical signs, they should contact their herd veterinarian and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture immediately at 402-471-2351.

While NDA’s importation order prohibits breeding female dairy cattle from entering the state without a permit, individuals from Nebraska interested in transporting animals and animal products to other states/countries should contact the destination state/country to learn about their import requirements before transporting animals. To learn more about biosecurity measures to implement on your operation, please visit: https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/hpai_livestock/index.html. The USDA has guidance documents and more information at: dairy-federal-order.pdf.