TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In addition to previously issued safety protocols and policies, and in response to recent USDA confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-4. The Emergency Rule imposes specific movement restrictions and testing requirements for imported dairy cattle into Florida to prevent the spread of HPAI. There have been no detections of HPAI in any livestock in Florida.
“This emergency rule is another proactive step Florida is taking to protect our livestock, safeguard the health of our citizens, and strengthen the safety and security of our food supply,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “We will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state, and industry partners to mitigate the risks posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza and ensure the continued safety and integrity of Florida agriculture.”
Emergency Rule 5CER26-4 imposes the following temporary restrictions:
- No cattle exposed to or infected with Bovine Associated Influenza A Syndrome may be imported into Florida.
- Dairy cattle being imported into Florida must meet the testing and movement requirements referenced in rule chapter 5C-3, Florida Administrative Code, as well as USDA federal orders and requirements.
- All lactating dairy cattle being imported into Florida must be accompanied by a negative H5N1 test and a valid Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection completed no more than 7 days before importation.
- Non-lactating dairy cattle imported from states with a suspected or confirmed cases of H5N1 must be accompanied by a valid Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection completed no more than 10 days before importation.
- Dairy cattle moving directly to slaughter, from a monitored unaffected herd, or from a state with unaffected state status are exempt from the testing requirements.
Emergency Rule 5CER26-4 is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
Bovine Associated Influenza A Syndrome (H5N1) is a highly contagious disease with detrimental effects on the health and milk production of dairy cattle. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this disease, stringent biosecurity measures are essential to contain its spread and mitigate its impact.
According to the USDA, there is no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confident that pasteurization is effective at inactivating H5N1, and that the commercial, pasteurized milk supply is safe. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted from the commercial milk tank or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 viruses circulating in birds and U.S. dairy cattle are believed to pose a low risk to the general public in the United States. However, people who have job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or mammals are at higher risk of infection and should take appropriate precautions outlined in CDC guidance.
It is critically important that farmers practice good biosecurity measures. Producers with concerns should reach out to their veterinarian, State Animal Health Official, and/or Area Veterinarian in Charge.
If an animal is displaying signs of illness or tests positive for HPAI, it should be separated from other animals on the farm, and heightened biosecurity measures should be implemented to prevent HPAI from spreading to other species. Additionally, farmers are advised to avoid housing multiple species of animals together at any time. More specific information on biosecurity practices are available:
Learn more about HPAI in domestic livestock here.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
Provided by FDACS