The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) issued an executive director order declaring intrastate movement restrictions of lactating dairy cattle to fairs, shows, or exhibitions on July 25, 2024. The order places movement restrictions related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) on lactating dairy cattle moving intrastate to fairs, shows or exhibitions.

This order is issued in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code §161.054 and Title 4, Texas Administrative Code §58 and is effective immediately.

This order will remain in effect until 60 days after the last detection of H5N1 in cattle herds in the United States.

To help mitigate disease spread to poultry and cattle and protect Texas animal health, the following requirements must be met:

  • Each lactating dairy cow moving intrastate to a fair, show or exhibition must have a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result for Influenza A virus. The results must be from an individual milk sample collected and tested at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory using a NAHLN approved assay within seven days prior to movement.
  • These animals may return to their home herd using the same negative test result, if the exhibition or show does not exceed 10 days.
  • This testing is available to producers at no cost through USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) programs at NAHLN laboratories. Producers may also apply for reimbursement of shipping and veterinary fees for collection of samples. View the USDA APHIS financial support for producers information to learn more.

The HPAI dairy testing protocol requires:

  1. Sample collection must be performed by a USDA category II accredited veterinarian or a person under the direct supervision of USDA category II accredited veterinarian working for the dairy cattle herd.
  2. Milk from each quarter of the individual cow must be pooled together to create a total sample between 3-10 ml of milk.
  3. Each lactating dairy cow’s sample must be kept individualized. Samples shall not be pooled between cows.

Prior to interstate movement, lactating dairy cattle are required to receive a negative PCR test for Influenza A virus at an approved NAHLN laboratory using a NAHLN approved assay and in accordance with the federal order effective April 29, 2024.

TAHC reminds producers to follow all federal requirements for interstate movement, check the state of destination and individual event requirements, and stay compliant with current TAHC intrastate requirements when moving lactating dairy cattle.