H5N1 support tools for dairy farmers

Jan 09, 2025
By Farms.com

NMPF and FARM provide testing resources for H5N1

To address the ongoing H5N1 outbreak, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the FARM Program have released two resources designed to support the dairy industry. These tools provide critical guidance for farmers and regulatory officials, ensuring better outbreak preparedness and cattle safety.

The first resource, titled Early Detection of H5N1 Virus in Bulk Tank Milk, highlights the importance of routine testing. Available in both English and Spanish, it provides strategies for early virus detection.

Regular testing helps farmers reduce risks, safeguard cattle, and protect dairy handlers from potential outbreaks.

The second resource, a 16-page guide called Bulk Tank Milk Sample Logistics for H5N1 Testing, assists state regulatory officials. This guide focuses on practical logistics and strategies for utilizing Grade “A” bulk tank milk samples. It aims to simplify testing processes and enhance regulatory collaboration across the dairy industry.

Developed by NMPF’s H5N1 Technical Committee, these resources were funded in part through a USDA cooperative agreement. The committee comprises dairy producers, veterinarians, and federal and state partners, ensuring practical and comprehensive solutions.

Farmers and regulators can access these tools on NMPF’s updated H5N1 webpage, which also offers additional resources and industry updates.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

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Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.