HPAI Update: USDA Clarification on Federal Order for Dairy Cattle

May 30, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture recently released additional information about the federal order to assist with developing a baseline of critical information and limiting the spread of H5N1 in dairy cattle, as well as guidelines for shows and fairs. Some brief highlights related to recent common inquiries include the following:

USDA Updates on HPAI

Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale may pass the 7-day testing window; is it possible to skip additional testing to return to the first farm? Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale must have a negative test result from samples collected within 7 days of movement. These animals may travel to their home herd using the same negative test result provided the exhibition, show, or sale does not exceed 10 days of length.
Limit animal comingling of animals and follow biosecurity protocols.
Please check with each exhibition event to understand individual guidelines in place for dairy cattle.
Additional guidance about minimizing transmissions at livestock exhibitions can be found here.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.