New York Dairy Earns HPAI-Free Status from USDA

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced that New York has achieved “Unaffected” status through the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which monitors for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds.

This designation confirms that extensive testing and surveillance efforts show no signs of HPAI in dairy cattle across the state.

This achievement is largely due to the efforts of New York’s dairy and poultry farmers, who have proactively implemented strict biosecurity protocols. As of now, there have been no detections of HPAI in dairy cattle in the state.

“Our dairy farmers, poultry farmers, and inspectors across the state have been working tirelessly to ensure that dairy cattle in New York remain free of HPAI. Reaching Unaffected status affirms that their hard work is paying off, and I thank all the farmers who have been instrumental in reaching this benchmark," State Agriculture Commissioner A. Ball said.

"We will continue to keep up our testing and surveillance so New Yorkers can be assured that their favorite local dairy products are safe and healthy to consume.”

“Achieving Unaffected Status is a significant public health milestone and reflects the strength of our surveillance systems and the commitment of our agricultural partners to protecting human and animal health,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.

“I’m happy to assure New Yorkers that our milk supply remains safe and that dairy products can continue to be a healthy, reliable part of our daily nutrition.”

Since January, the Department has been collaborating with USDA APHIS, the FDA, and NASDA to implement the NMTS.

Monthly testing of raw milk from Grade “A” silos at processing facilities has been conducted at no cost to farmers. Inspectors also began collecting samples from raw milk permit holders and raw milk cheese processors earlier in 2025.

These efforts are part of broader preventive actions taken since HPAI was first found in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024.

New York has issued several health orders on cattle imports and fair participation to further limit the spread of the disease. The state joins 20 others in earning Unaffected status under the NMTS.

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