HPAI Testing Begins in Wisconsin Dairy Farms

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) held its annual meeting on April 4 at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The meeting highlighted efforts to improve livestock disease tracking, with a focus on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Animal health experts shared updates on current threats including HPAI, African Swine Fever, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The first known dairy cow HPAI case in the U.S. occurred in March 2024 in Texas, likely due to wild birds. Fortunately, Wisconsin has reported no dairy or poultry HPAI cases in 2025.

The National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) aims to identify HPAI in milk. The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL), based at UW–Madison, is preparing to test milk samples using PCR tests. These tests are accurate at the dairy level but not in bulk tanks. WVDL has conducted over 6,000 tests across multiple states and Canada since March 2024.

WVDL’s lab uses barcodes and accurate premises identification to manage high test volumes. “Wisconsin has a great program for premises identification,” said Dan Christensen, General Laboratory Manager at WVDL. “When it comes to efficiency, reporting and messaging, having this premises ID accurately included with each sample is absolutely critical.”

The NMTS has already helped detect cross-species virus events in Nevada and Arizona dairy herds. Wisconsin is now preparing to begin NMTS testing statewide.

Also, 2025 marks Wisconsin’s livestock premises renewal year. Executive Director Julie Sweney emphasized updating data for over 65,000 active premises. “It is very important for livestock owners to renew their premises and ensure their information is up-to-date,” said Sweney.

Board elections followed, re-electing Scott Schneider as chair and John Haag as vice-chair. Other members represent key dairy, pork, and beef groups across Wisconsin.

Livestock owners can renew by calling 888-808-1910. Registrant details remain confidential.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages