USDA confirmed on Tuesday that H5N1 has been detected on dairy farms in Idaho, the first new cases in dairy cattle since Dec. 13. Initial testing suggests the virus was circulating locally, rather than the result of a new spillover event. Preliminary reports on the ground indicate little to no clinical illness in most affected herds, with many cattle remaining asymptomatic or only showing mild symptoms. Even so, the potential for spread remains a concern given Idaho’s role as one of the nation’s leading dairy states.
Earlier this month, Texas became the 42nd state to achieve “unaffected” status under USDA’s H5N1 National Milk Testing Strategy. We are urging USDA to revise mandatory testing requirements for lactating cattle to better reflect the risk levels across unaffected states.
Farm Bill Heading to the House Floor
Things are picking up on the farm bill front. The House Rules Committee posted the bill to its website and signaled floor action the week of April 27. Lawmakers have until Wednesday to submit amendments, making the next several days critical in shaping what ultimately reaches the House floor. Conversations are ongoing behind the scenes, with cautious optimism that a bill can pass the House. House Ag Committee Chairman GT Thompson’s team thinks they have a small group of Democrats ready to support the bill, though continued outreach will be key to locking in those votes.
Be the first to comment