(NAFB.com) – The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy to address H5N1 infections in U.S. dairy herds. The measure builds on steps already taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since H5N1 was first round in dairy cattle in March 2024. The Federal Order and guidance requires that unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be shared with USDA for testing. The guidance was developed with significant input from state, veterinary, and public health officials and will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. The new Federal Order requires sharing raw milk samples upon request from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, such as a milk transporter, transfer station, or processing facility. Second, it requires owners with positive cattle to provide information that enables contact tracing. Finally, it requires labs and veterinarians to report positive tests to USDA.