Minnesota dairy herds have officially been designated as unaffected by the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, following four months of negative raw milk test results under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy.
As a result, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will scale back milk testing from monthly to every two months, though federal restrictions on interstate animal movement will remain in place to help prevent potential outbreaks.
State officials emphasize that while Minnesota has reached an important benchmark, routine monitoring will continue until all 50 states achieve the same status. Dairy farmers don’t need to take additional action, as testing is conducted through industry labs that already monitor for multiple herd health issues.
Photo Credit: The USDA
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