As a result of numerous questions related to the movement of lactating dairy cattle to sale barns and auction markets under the Federal Order and associated guidance related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) issued a clarification on April 28.

According to the agency, 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,” stated USDA-APHIS.

Learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle on the APHIS website.