Join the PA Agriculture HPAI Monthly Call at 1 p.m. EST December 4

Updates on Mandatory Testing for Bulk Milk Tanker Trucks

The next PA Agriculture HPAI Monthly Conference Call is happening TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 4 at 1 p.m. EST for producers and stakeholders from all animal ag industries. Panelists

from the Department of Agriculture and other state/federal organizations will address real-time questions from dairy and poultry stakeholders about the recent Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s action of mandatory milk testing at the processor level.

The PA Dept. of Agriculture implemented this mandatory testing order, at no cost to farmers, for bulk milk tanker trucks to determine if HPAI is circulating in lactating dairy cattle statewide. PDA officials say they have seen the impact of HPAI in other states that had not established proactive testing protocols, where economic losses, rapid spread, and mortality of animals later triggered testing protocols but could not undo the significant damage already caused by the virus left undetected. Click here to read the order.

During tomorrow’s call, you can ask your questions in real time about the mandatory testing order, Pennsylvania’s response efforts, and more. Panelists will include:

• Dr. Alex Hamberg – Update on HPAI Situation and PA’s Mandatory Surveillance Program
• Dr. Ernest Hovingh – Review of How Mandatory Testing is Going

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