LITTLE ROCK, AR – Since late March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state veterinary and public health officials have been investigating the detection of HPAI in dairy cows. A Federal Order was issued on April 24, 2024, to mitigate the spread of the virus.

As of now, the influenza virus has not been detected in livestock within Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the USDA and the Arkansas Department of Health, remains vigilant in monitoring this potential threat.

Arkansas fairs and exhibitions provide a valuable opportunity for the youth of our state to showcase their animals. However, these events also pose a risk for the spread of illnesses among animals. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division, in collaboration with other state and federal agencies, encourages adherence to USDA requirements and recommendations to minimize the risk of influenza transmission.

Click here for the full list of Recommendations to Minimize Influenza Transmission at Dairy Cattle Livestock Exhibitions.

The list includes:

Intrastate Movement

• Testing: Prior to intrastate movement, lactating dairy cattle are recommended to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory using a NAHLN approved assay.
• Documentation: The intrastate movement of all lactating dairy cattle must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

Intrastate Movement

• Testing: Prior to intrastate movement, lactating dairy cattle are recommended to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory using a NAHLN approved assay.
• Documentation: The intrastate movement of all lactating dairy cattle must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

Interstate Movement

• Testing: Prior to interstate movement, lactating dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved NAHLN laboratory using a NAHLN approved assay.
• Documentation: The interstate movement of all lactating dairy cattle must be accompanied by a CVI.
• Exhibition Requirements: Animals moving by interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale must have a negative test result from samples collected within seven days of movement. These animals may return to their home herd using the same negative test result, provided the event does not exceed 10 days.
• Permitting: All dairy cattle entering Arkansas from states affected by HPAI in dairy cattle will require a permit from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Permits can be obtainedhere.

Disposal of Milk

• Negative HPAI Test: Lactating dairy cattle that have a negative HPAI test will be able to dispose of milk following state, federal laws, and rules, and regulations.
• No HPAI Test: Lactating dairy cattle that do not have a negative HPAI test should follow the USDA recommendations for milk disposal.

Additional Precautions

• Equipment and Tools: Equipment and tools should not be shared between exhibitors.
• Isolation Area: Each exhibition should prepare an isolation area for animals that develop symptoms.

By following these requirements and recommendations, we can help protect our livestock industry and maintain the health and safety of animals at our events.