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: Next Mile Ep 1: Navigating Disease Prevention

The Next Mile, host Dr. Meredith Petersen, Director of Swine Health at the National Pork Board, sits down with Dr. Cara Haden, Director of Animal Welfare and Biosecurity at Pipestone, to unpack the National Swine Health Strategy and what it means for producers across the country.

Meredith walks through how the strategy came together: a producer-led effort launched in March 2025 in response to input gathered at the National Pork Industry Forum, built around two core goals, keeping foreign and emerging diseases out of the U.S. herd and reducing the impact of domestic diseases already here, including long-term elimination targets for PRRSV and PEDV.

Cara then brings the conversation down to the farm level, sharing how Pipestone scores biosecurity across seven key areas: air, feed, water, people, supplies, trucks and pigs, plus everything within the farm perimeter. She and Meredith dig into why farm leadership and daily culture, not just protocols on paper, ultimately determine whether biosecurity efforts stick.

Whether you're a producer, veterinarian, or anyone invested in herd health, this episode offers a grounded look at where the industry is headed and what everyday habits make the biggest difference.