Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Cattle
- Mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
- These steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle. USDA requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.
- Mandatory reporting of positive tests
- Laboratories must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS
- Laboratories must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS
Additionally, cattle entering the state must meet import requirements which in most instances will include a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). Animals included on the CVI should not be known to be infected with or exposed to contagious diseases, or showing signs of contagious or infectious disease, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Understanding of this disease continues to grow and requirements may be updated as new information is received. For further information on the current situation in cattle, utilize the DATCP webpage on HPAI in Cattle.
This information is current as of April 24, 2024.
All states are included in the below requirements with the exception of Texas and Michigan.
These are the requirements for domestic cattle and bison from all states except Texas and Michigan:
- For import requirements for exotic ruminant species (e.g. yaks, water buffalo), please visit the exotic species page.
- No M-branded bovine/cattle from other states may be imported to Wisconsin except directly to a slaughter facility. For M-branded cattle imported directly from Mexico, please call the import coordinator (608) 224-4874.
- If you wish to import animals from several different states, or if the animals have been in the origin state for fewer than 120 days, please contact the import coordinator.
Importing breeding cattle or exhibition animals from states other than Michigan and Texas
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) with complete physical origin and destination address required.
- Sexually intact animals of any age, including calves at side, must have official identification, and the official ID must be included on the CVI
- All cattle and bison of any age or sex including steers moving for rodeos, recreational events, shows, or exhibitions, must have official identification, and the official ID must be included on the CVI
- The following are official ID:
- USDA ear tag number that are part of the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES) (starts with state 2-digit code), both the silver "brite" tag and the orange brucellosis tag
- USDA Animal Identification Number tag (includes the visual number and/or RFID) - 15-digit number starting with 840
- Manufacturer-coded RFID tag - 15-digit number with the first three digits in a 900 series, such as 980, 982 or 985 (accepted as ID when applied before March 11, 2015)
- American ID tag - 8-12-digit number prefaced with "USA" (accepted as ID when applied before March 11, 2015 and if the entire number, including the "USA," is written on the CVI)
- Please note: Wisconsin has no reciprocal agreements with other states regarding the use of tattoos and registration numbers as identification. As a result, breed association tattoos and breed registration numbers are not accepted as official identification. In addition, brands are not accepted as official ID.
- "Pending" official ID or partial ID numbers on paperwork are not acceptable.
- If an animal has more than one form of official identification, all the IDs must be listed on the CVI.
- No TB tests required
- No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required
- No import permit required (except for bovines that are part of a rodeo, circus, or menagerie - visit the Circuses, Rodeos, and Menageries page)
- Fairs or exhibitions may have additional requirements. Contact the show organizers for more information
Importing feeder cattle from states other than Michigan and Texas
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) with complete physical origin and destination address required
- All dairy breed feeder cattle of any age, including steers, born after March 11, 2013, must have official identification (see section above). The CVI must include the official individual ID for all intact animals. For steers, either the official ID or a statement indicating the animals are officially identified is acceptable.
- All beef breed feeder cattle of any age, excluding steers, must have official identification (see section above), and the official ID must be included on the CVI; for steers, a statement indicating the animals do not belong to a class of cattle or bison to which the official identification requirements apply should be added
- A backtag will work as ID only for animals going directly to slaughter
- No TB tests required
- No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required
- No import permit required
Importing veal calves from states other than Michigan and Texas
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) with complete physical origin and destination address required.
- Veal calves of dairy breeds must have official individual ID regardless of age or sex, and the official ID must be included on the CVI
- Veal calves of beef breeds, excluding steers, must have official individual ID regardless of age, and the official ID must be included on the CVI
- No TB tests required
- No import permit required
- No other tests, vaccinations, or statements required
Importing slaughter cattle
Cattle going directly to slaughter are not required to have official individual ID or a CVI but must have paperwork, such as an owner shipper statement, a bill of lading or bill of sale, that includes all of the following:
- Location from which the animals originated
- Destination of the animals (not the address of the consignee)
- Total number of animals
- Species of animals
- Name and address of the owner at the time of the movement
- Name and address of the shipper
However, animals that are designated as slaughter animals but are not being sent directly to a slaughter establishment or directly to an approved federal facility and then directly to a slaughter establishment must meet import requirements above.
Exporting cattle to other states
Import requirements are determined by the state of destination. Please contact the state of destination to find out the import regulations for cattle being imported from Wisconsin.
Cattle that are traveling to another state and returning to Wisconsin while the CVI is still valid may return with the same paperwork with no additional tests or statements required.
If the cattle are scheduled to return after the date the CVI expires, they will need a new CVI issued by a local veterinarian licensed in that state of Iowa and must meet the import requirements above.
Wisconsin is TB Accredited Free and Brucellosis Class Free.