Veterinary - Testing Cattle for Influenza A

Collecting Samples for Influenza A Testing from Lactating Dairy Cattle for Interstate Movement

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Individual cow samples: Collect a composite sample from each cow by collecting milk or udder secretions from every quarter in one tube.
3-10 ml of milk (or udder secretions) submitted per cow.

In a tightly sealed plastic or glass tube with no additive.
Samples must be kept cool. They can be shipped overnight in a cooler with a cold pack or physically delivered to the lab.

The General Submission Form
For milk sample submissions please write only sequential tube numbers on the tubes. Write animal information (including individual official ID) on the submission form.
For premovement testing: please indicate on the form this is a premovement test and the planned date of the movement

For groups less than 30 head: every cow needs an individual sample submitted.
For groups of more than 30 head: Sample only 30 of the group and submit those 30 individual samples.

Milk sample testing is time-intensive and takes at least one full day to complete.
Rollins Lab receives multiple rush requests each day.
If your samples will not arrive at least two days before the planned movement date, please call the lab. This will help ensure your results are ready in time.
Rollins Lab: (919) 733-3986

APHIS will cover the cost of the test at a NAHLN lab since testing prior to interstate movement is mandatory. They will not cover the shipping costs or any costs associated with the physical collection of samples.
The lab will not charge the veterinarian or producer for the costs of these tests.

We have prepared a one-page reference guide for sample collection for premovement testing:

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USDA APHIS will support the testing costs for suspect herds or affected herds.
For sick cattle these tests must have a FADI number. Call (919) 707-3250 NCDA Veterinary Division if you are testing sick cattle. A FADI number will be generated for you.
Include a premises ID on the submission form.

The Dairy Herd Status Program is a voluntary program that offers dairy producers the option to monitor their herds via weekly bulk milk samples.
Herd with Monitored Unaffected herd status will be allowed to move animals across state lines without individual cow samples.
Visit the USDA website to learn more Dairy Herd Status Program | APHIS
Call either NCDA&CS Veterinary Division (919) 707-3250 or USDA APHIS if you are interested in enrolling in this program.

Suspect cattle
Apparently healthy cattle that have been exposed to or epidemiologically linked to suspect or confirmed positive HPAI cattle
Cattle from producers concerned their cattle may have HPAI
Sick or dead domestic animals near affected premises
Wildlife (reason for submission must indicate emerging event)

Deep nasal swabs are best sample if the cattle are not lactating
A single sterile swab with 6 inch handle can be used to sample BOTH nostrils
Use media to wet the swab (PrimeStore MTM, BHI or sterile saline)
Swirl the swab in the media vigorously then express excess fluid from the swab by pressing it firmly against the inside of the tube.
Remove the swab from the media and then submit the tube with media to the lab.
Do not submit the swab retained in media.
Do not submit dry swabs.
Only the PrimeStore MTM can be submitted without ice.
BHI or sterile saline media samples must be refrigerated and submitted on ice.

More information on testing cattle for Influenza A can be found at the USDA Livestock Detections page.

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