PA Announces Milk Movement Permit Requirements & Biosecurity Requirements

In this update on HPAI affecting dairy cattle, read the following important updates:
1) Notice provided by PA Dept. of Agriculture outlining milk movement permit requirements.
2) Resources and assistance for developing your everyday/enhanced biosecurity plans.
3) Update from the USDA confirming the disease is now affecting herds in eight states. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services released a notice that outlines the state requirements if a PA dairy premise would be quarantined upon suspicion/ confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (Influenza A) in cattle. The notice encourages the implementation of everyday farm biosecurity practices as well as the development of written everyday (FARM Program) and enhanced biosecurity plans. In the event the Bureau issues an Order of Special Quarantine for suspicion and/or confirmation of influenza A in cattle, movement of lactating animals on or off the premises will be restricted.

According to their notice, movement of milk from healthy cattle on a quarantined premises to a milk processor for pasteurization will be allowable under permit issued by the Bureau in 30-day increments. The following will be reviewed upon request of a movement permit from the producer:

1. A completed FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Step 3 – Everyday Biosecurity Plan approved by the Bureau of Animal Health.
2. Completed Pennsylvania Supplement to the “Everyday Biosecurity Plan” which provides additional information to the state about wild bird biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection, and visitors on your premises.
3. Epidemiologic analysis of the premises by PDA epidemiologist to assess risk of the movement.

Click here to read the full notice. According to the notice, preparing written plans ahead of time will facilitate faster approval should the farm need them. However, plans will not be pre-approved.

Note: The USDA has confirmed that there is no threat to human health and milk. Dairy products remain safe to consume.