Here are highlights from the call:
- On May 9, Pennsylvania revised the Quarantine Order to align with the Federal Order requiring testing for all lactating cattle transported into the state, except those for direct to slaughter, and non-lactating cattle from affected states over 18 months and older. Additionally, the testing window has been increased from five to seven days.
- Cases of Bovine Influenza A have been reported in cattle at 43 sites across nine states, but no positive cases have been reported in PA to date.
- New data indicates that the virus spread from wild birds to cattle in 2023 through one occurrence and has been spreading cattle to cattle since.
- There are still no concerns regarding HPAI affecting food safety.
- With fair season right around the corner, PDA is currently working on drafting best biosecurity practices for fairs and exhibitors. Import testing requirements for out-of-state animals apply.
- Testing turnaround time remains approximately two to three days right now. Samples should be taken directly from the udder to ensure integrity.
- Just a reminder that Penn State Extension offers resources to aid farmers in developing biosecurity plans. For a list of extension agents who can help, click here.
- You can request a biosecurity resource kit that includes templates for creating your plan here. Plans do not have to be submitted in advance of a quarantine. However, plans can be submitted if you would want feedback to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at RA.Agbioplans@pa.gov.
Note: The next call will be on Wednesday, May 22, at 1 p.m.
If you missed the May 15 call, the recording is now available:
- Click here to access the recording
- Click here to view Dr. Erin Luley’s slides that provide an overview of the HPAI in dairy spread and the agency’s response.
Note: The USDA has confirmed that there is no threat to human health and milk. Dairy products remain safe to consume.
Resources referenced during the call and in this eblast included:
- Revised Pennsylvania Quarantine Order
- Summary Guidelines for Cattle Movement
- USDA Technical Notes Providing Clarity on Federal Order
Pennsylvania Revises Quarantine Order: Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture released an updated Quarantine Order regarding movement restrictions and testing requirements for animals imported into Pennsylvania. This replaces the Quarantine Order released on April 5. A summary of that Order is below.
USDA Releases Technical Notes: Also last week, USDA released Technical Notesproviding more clarity around parts of the Federal Order. National Milk Producers Federation released a summary of those notes, which are included below.
Weekly Calls Scheduled: The Center for Dairy Excellence will be hosting weekly conference calls on Wednesdays in May at 1 p.m. EDT to share regular updates on this evolving situation. The next call will be May 22, 2024. Learn more about the calls and add them to your calendar.
Biosecurity Kits Available: The Center and Penn State continue to offer everyday biosecurity resource kits for producers. Each kit includes a booklet with National FARM’s EveryDay Biosecurity Plan Steps 1, 2, and 3 and a Pennsylvania Supplement prepared for dairy farms to complete. These resources must be completed in the event of a quarantine to allow that farm to receive a 30-day milk movement permit.
For these upcoming industry calls, consider signing up for text alert reminders. We’ll text you a reminder the morning of the conference call and include the dial-in details. Text “Sign up” to 717-585-0766. To receive email reminders, click here to sign up.
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