04/29/2024
ATTENTION DAIRY CLIENTS;
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UPDATE 4/30/24: Lactating dairy cattle shipped out of state directly to slaughter no longer require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), but rather a valid owner-shipper statement. This is completed by your VT livestock dealer or sale barn.
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In response to current Avian Influenza findings in US dairy cattle herds, the USDA had issued a federal mandate; this will go into effect on Monday, April 29th. Please follow the link below to find details and USDA issued orders.
https://agriculture.vermont.gov/HPAIinDairyCowsAnEmergingAnimalHealthIssue
At this time the CDC considers the risk of H5N1 to general public to be low, and consumption of pasteurized milk to be safe.
Here are a few notes summarizing the immediate changes for cattle movement over the coming days. PLEASE understand that guidelines are being modified by THE DAY, and some things may change.
For interstate transport, all LACTATING dairy cattle will require a Health Certificate/Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) by an accredited veteriarian, as well as a negative H5N1 test.
FOR SLAUGHTER ANIMALS;
-Non lactating animals including dry cows, calves, heifers, or bulls can travel as usual.
-If VT lactating cull cows are moved directly from farm to a slaughter facility out of state, those animals will require a CVI.
-If VT lactating cows are moved to a sale barn within the state of VT, to then be sent out of state to slaughter, those animals will require a CVI.
*PLEASE confirm with your hauler if these animals will require CVIs on the farm prior to pickup, or if the VT licensed dealer/purchaser will have a veterinarian available to issue a CVI at their sale barn. Receiving slaughter plants will NOT accept cattle without a CVI.
-If VT lactating cows are moved to a sale barn outside of the state of VT, prior to being shipped to slaughter, these animals will require a CVI and a NEGATIVE Avian Influenza test.
THE TEST- Composite milk samples, to only be collected by a veterinarian (for now). Samples are overnighted to an accredited laboratory, in which results will be finalized within 3 business days. The test is free of charge to the producer, however sample collection/shipping/veterinary expense is not covered by the USDA.
For additional questions/concerns, please call our office at 802-933-2770 to speak with a veterinarian. We will not be answering questions regarding this issue over Facebook.
This is an evolving situation, and our team is working closely with our state veterinarians to stay up to date on the latest recommendations and mandates.
We've got this!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State veterinary and public health officials are investigating an illness among primarily older dairy cows. Vermont is monitoring the situation as it develops. Current...
