STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR LACTATING DAIRY CATTLE ENTERING FAIRS OR EXHIBITIONS TO PREVENT HPAI TRANSMISSION
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced new testing requirements for dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions to continue to prevent the transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in New York State. The order issued by the Department requires that lactating dairy cattle be tested and show negative results for HPAI within seven days prior to entering a fair, including the Great New York State Fair, county fairs, or other exhibitions. The test must be conducted by an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab.https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-dairy-cattle-livestock-exhibition.pdf
The Department encourages industry members to follow these steps in addition to the state’s order to help ensure the health and safety of animals at county fairs across New York, in addition to The Great New York State Fair. Animal health requirements for 2024 county fairs and The New York State Fair are outlined in three documents, listed below. These documents currently apply to animals, including poultry, at fairs in 2024.
USDA also recently announced expanded support for producers to help stop the spread of HPAI in dairy cattle https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/05/23/usda-expands-support-producers-stop-spread-h5n1-dairy-cattle including for producers who do not have a herd that has tested positive. This support equips producers with tools they can use to keep their herds and workers healthy and reduce the risk of the virus spreading to additional herds. These financial tools include supporting biosecurity planning and implementation; reimbursing producers for veterinary costs associated with sample collection for testing, and offsetting shipping costs for influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
Producers and veterinarians are encouraged to continue visiting the USDA APHIS website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock for the latest information. No cases have been detected in New York livestock to date. According to USDA and the FDA, pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume as pasteurization kills harmful microbes and pathogens in milk and there is also no concern regarding the consumption of properly cooked meat products.
JULY CHECKLIST FOR FARMERS
As farmers navigate the busy month of July, here are some helpful tips.
- Soil Health: Implement crop rotations and consider planting cover crops post-harvest to enrich the soil.
- Pest Management: Monitor for pests and diseases heightened by the warm weather. Use integrated pest management practices to keep crops healthy.
- Water Conservation: Utilize drip irrigation systems to conserve water and ensure efficient watering during the hotter days.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting early summer crops and plan for the succession planting to keep the yield flowing.
- Market Research: Explore local farmers’ markets and CSA programs to expand your reach and find new customers.
This July, embrace the sustainable practices that will ensure the longevity and prosperity of your farm and community.
