The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued new federal orders to enhance testing and surveillance for the H5N1 variant of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in U.S. dairy herds.
RENO, NV — The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued new federal orders to enhance testing and surveillance for the H5N1 variant of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in U.S. dairy herds. This decision comes following recent detections of the virus in dairy cows across 16 states, including Nevada, and aims to strengthen livestock biosecurity measures.
Nevada’s livestock producers have long implemented strict biosecurity practices, such as disinfecting equipment, changing boots between barns, and quarantining new animals. However, the new federal measures require additional actions from affected herds, including movement controls, contact tracing, and further testing to prevent the virus from spreading. The updated plans align with the Secure Milk Supply Plan, which provides guidance on enhanced biosecurity procedures.
In response to these developments, the University of Nevada, Reno Extension has launched a new livestock biosecurity website to assist Nevada’s livestock producers and emergency responders in updating their biosecurity protocols. The website provides resources to help prepare for potential outbreaks and includes guidance for implementing enhanced biosecurity plans.
Extension specialists, in collaboration with various state agencies such as the USDA APHIS and the Nevada Department of Agriculture, are offering support to producers to help them navigate these updated measures. As part of this collaborative effort, workshops and outreach events will also be organized to provide additional information and assistance.
Producers are encouraged to evaluate and enhance their biosecurity plans to ensure they are prepared for the current virus and any other potential animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. By doing so, they can reduce risks and mitigate potential impacts on their operations, while also helping to protect Nevada's broader livestock industry.
For more information or to access resources, livestock producers can contact UNR Extension specialists Tracy Shane at tshane@unr.edu or Gary McCuin at gmccuin@unr.edu.