At the recent State Board of Animal Health meeting, a new mandate has been put into place regarding lactating dairy cattle and the upcoming North Dakota State Fair. Testing Requirement for Dairy Cattle The Board has issued an order that all lactating dairy cattle must undergo testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) within 10 days before participation in the fair. This decision comes in light of recent detections of HPAI in dairy cows across several states since late March. Although North Dakota has been fortunate enough not to have any cases yet, the testing aims to prevent any potential spread of the illness. Procedure for Testing Owners of lactating dairy cattle intending to showcase their animals at the State Fair are advised to get in touch with their veterinarian, who will be responsible for sample collection. All expenses related to the vet, shipping, and lab testing conducted by North Dakota State University will be covered by the federal government. Recommended Guidelines In addition to the mandatory testing, fair and exhibition organizers are urged to familiarize themselves with the fair guidance provided by the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This comprehensive guidance centers around biosecurity protocols to limit the transmission of diseases such as HPAI and other contagious zoonotic pathogens that pose risks to both animal and human health. Federal Order for Interstate Movement Testing Furthermore, a federal order dated April 24, 2024, necessitates mandatory interstate movement testing for lactating dairy cattle, specifically for exhibition purposes. This testing requirement applies when the animals cross state borders. Additional Resources For more information regarding HPAI detection in livestock, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock. Stay informed with the latest updates on HPAI from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/hpai.