By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania's dairy industry has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first major U.S. dairy-producing state to attain "stage four" HPAI-free status under the USDA's National Milk Testing Strategy.
This designation confirms the absence of the virus in the state's milk supply, a testament to collaborative efforts among the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, federal partners, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions.
Since late November 2024, PADLS labs have tested over 22,000 bulk milk samples, covering nearly all of Pennsylvania's 4,784 dairy farms.
This achievement follows proactive measures implemented by Pennsylvania, including mandatory bulk milk testing, restrictions on interstate dairy cattle transport, and a voluntary lactating dairy cattle testing program.
“Pennsylvania’s food supply is safe and secure, due to a unified, aggressive, and effective response strategy. We are not out of the woods yet, and the threat demands that we keep our guard up,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.
“But strategic, commonsense investments by the Shapiro Administration, combined with critical partnerships among our state and federal interagency team and every level of our dairy and poultry industries have made a very real difference in minimizing the impact of the most devastating agriculture emergency in U.S. history."
While no HPAI infections have been detected in Pennsylvania dairy cattle or humans, the state will continue bulk milk testing due to ongoing threats in other states.
Nationally, human HPAI infections, primarily affecting those with close contact to infected animals, remain low risk to the general public. Pasteurized milk and properly cooked poultry products are safe for consumption.
HPAI poses a significant threat to poultry, with millions of birds lost nationwide since February 2022. In Pennsylvania alone, over 6.9 million birds have been affected. The state's interagency response team is actively addressing recent presumed infections in poultry flocks.
Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes an additional $13 million for the Ag Innovation Fund, $2 million to maintain the new animal testing laboratory, and continued support for the Center for Livestock and Poultry Excellence and the Center for Dairy Excellence.
The USDA website provides up-to-date national and state-specific HPAI information. Pennsylvania remains under a general poultry quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Poultry