Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will start testing raw cow's milk for the H5N1 flu virus beginning the week of February 24. This initiative, in collaboration with state government and industry partners, aims to identify the presence of the virus, monitor trends, and prevent its spread to unaffected dairy herds and poultry flocks across Minnesota.

“H5N1 is an emerging disease in dairy cattle, and conducting disease surveillance supports the state’s ability to effectively respond to outbreaks and limit the potential impact on the livestock and poultry industries, as well as on public health,” stated MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.

There is no concern regarding public milk supply safety since all store-sold milk undergoes pasteurization, which effectively eliminates active H5N1 virus. The MDA advises against consuming unpasteurized milk or products from animals with suspected or confirmed H5N1 infection due to potential harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

Raw milk samples collected monthly from approximately 1,600 dairy farms in Minnesota will be tested. These samples are sub-sampled by industry labs before being sent for H5N1 testing at the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (MVDL) at the University of Minnesota. If a sample tests positive for influenza virus, further verification will be conducted by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH), which will also initiate farm quarantine procedures.

Confirmed cases of H5N1 will result in a minimum 30-day quarantine where no movement of livestock or related materials is allowed without a permit from BAH. Milk from healthy animals can still be sold for pasteurization during this period.

To lift a quarantine, farms must achieve three consecutive negative bulk milk tank tests taken at least seven days apart and complete management plans to prevent future spread. Case managers will assist farms through this process.

If H5N1 is confirmed in a herd, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will contact individuals exposed to infected herds for human health monitoring enrollment. Human cases are rare; none have been reported in Minnesota so far. Dr. Ruth Lynfield from MDH emphasized that “the risk to the general public remains low at this time.”

This testing plan aligns with the National Milk Testing Strategy announced by USDA-APHIS in December, mandating raw cow milk sampling for H5N1 nationwide. The MDA collaborates with USDA-APHIS on funding and biosecurity enhancements for dairy producers.

For more information about this testing plan, contact MDA via email at TestingMilk.MDA@state.mn.us or visit their website.