Pennsylvania has become the first major dairy-producing state in the United States to be declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its milk supply, according to the USDA. This milestone was reached through a comprehensive strategy involving mandatory bulk testing of the milk supply, a measure initiated after detecting the virus in cattle across three states.
HPAI, commonly known as bird flu, had previously been identified in 217 cattle within a single month, prompting the state to take swift action. The testing, conducted by the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, processed approximately 22,000 samples from nearly all of the state’s 5,000 dairy farms.
The declaration marks the fourth stage of a five-stage USDA roadmap aimed at eradicating the virus nationwide. Previous stages included regional milk supply assessments, state-specific status determinations, and virus surveillance and elimination efforts.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the safety and security of Pennsylvania’s food supply, attributing it to a “unified, aggressive, and effective response strategy.” To further support these efforts, the state’s governor has proposed a budget allocation of $2 million to maintain laboratory operations and an additional $13 million towards the Ag Innovation fund to address agricultural challenges like H5N1.
State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg highlighted the importance of the new testing protocols, noting that the virus can appear in milk before cows show clinical signs of illness. He also stressed the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures, including the disinfection of farm equipment and clothing, to prevent the spread of the disease.
While HPAI poses a severe threat to poultry and can lead to serious illness in cows and other animals such as cats when exposed to raw milk, it is not considered a significant risk to human health. To date, no HPAI cases have been detected in Pennsylvania cattle, though the virus has affected several commercial poultry farms in the state.
The ongoing efforts and strategic investments by the state are crucial in minimizing the impact of what the USDA has called “the most devastating agriculture emergency in U.S. history,” according to Secretary Redding.
