Minnesota State Wire

After several months of monitoring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated Minnesota’s status to “Unaffected” for the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in dairy herds. This change follows four consecutive months of negative test results from raw milk samples collected at cow dairy farms across the state.

The shift in status means that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will decrease its testing frequency for H5N1 in raw milk. Previously, tests were conducted monthly; now, sampling will occur approximately every two months. Despite this change, federal restrictions on moving animals between states remain unchanged.

Minnesota began participating in the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in February 2025. The MDA partnered with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) to conduct surveillance and prevent H5N1 from spreading to other dairy herds and poultry flocks.

“We and the Board are extremely grateful for the dairy industry’s cooperation in achieving this important milestone and for supporting the health and vitality of Minnesota’s livestock and poultry industries,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.

In March 2025, a single case of H5N1 was detected in a Minnesota dairy herd. Since then, no additional cases have been found within the state. The USDA approved Minnesota’s new status on August 22, 2025.

The MDA has indicated that if negative results continue through fall, testing could be reduced further. However, ongoing monitoring is required until all 50 states reach Unaffected Status under federal guidelines.

Dairy farmers are not required to take any action regarding sampling or testing procedures. These processes are managed by industry laboratories that already conduct routine testing for other reasons.

Although H5N1 remains an emerging concern among U.S. dairy cattle, most affected herds nationwide have recovered fully after infection. However, H5N1 continues to pose significant risks to poultry populations and can cause illness in humans if transmitted from infected animals. Preventing spread whenever detection occurs remains a priority for animal health authorities.

If a future test detects H5N1 in a Minnesota dairy herd, either the MDA or BAH would assign a case manager to assist the farm with response measures. This includes imposing quarantine protocols and conducting follow-up tests until it is safe to lift restrictions.

Minnesota’s continued participation in national surveillance efforts aims to protect both local agriculture and public health while aligning with broader disease control strategies across state lines.