Monthly milk sampling set to begin, aimed at curbing avian flu

WOOD COUNTY – Milk from dairy farms in Wood County soon will be tested monthly in an effort to halt the spread of avian flu.

The state agricultural department said in a release the mandatory testing is part of a national strategy required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), ensuring swift action to identify and address avian flu, or H5N1, in affected herds.

DATCP said it is expected that one milk sample will be obtained per dairy farm each month and tested at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). These samples will primarily be gathered through existing milk quality labs that work with Licensed Bulk Milk Weighers and Samplers, ensuring minimal disruption to dairy operations while obtaining farm-level results.

If avian flu is detected, DATCP’s Division of Animal Health will work with affected farms regarding quarantine requirements. Any H5N1 detections will also be confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

Farms may continue shipping milk if it meets “normal” milk standards. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration and USDA continue to emphasize that the commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process.

DATCP will provide updates on the NMTS collection process as the program develops. Stakeholders are encouraged to visit datcp.wi.gov for additional information, resources, and FAQs and subscribe to receive updates at https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDATCP/subscriber/new.

For questions or more information on the testing strategy, contact NMTSfaq@wisconsin.gov or (608) 224-4717.