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Testing cattle for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

Thursday, March 28, 2024 - 2:31pm

Updated May 20, 2026

Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from States with Unaffected State Status under the National Milk Testing Strategy are no longer required to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement.

View the updated guidance document (366.41 KB).

The Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), as a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory, tests avian and mammalian samples for HPAI by PCR. All non-negative test results (presumptive positives) are reported to the state veterinarian’s office of origin. All non-negative samples are forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, for confirmation. In New York, positive results in livestock and poultry require quarantine of the affected premises.

When submitting samples from clinical suspects, official premises ID and the reason for testing must be included on the submission form. Online ordering is available through our portal. Contact the State Veterinarian's office to obtain a premises ID if the farm does not have one.

15 mL Tube

Samples to submit for interstate movement of lactating dairy cows in states with Affected State Status or Clinical Suspect Cattle

10-12 ml of milk from all 4 quarters in one 15 ml screw top vial*

  • 15 ml screw top vials*, pictured, are available to submitting veterinarians at no cost through the AHDC supply center, ahdcshipping@cornell.edu or 607-253-3900 (note: shipping fees apply). Do not pool from different cows and do not send separate samples from each quarter of a cow. Failure to follow these instructions may result in delayed turnaround time for test results.

Samples to submit for bulk tank testing

  • 10-12 ml of bulk tank milk representing cows from one single premises in one 15 ml screw top vial*, pictured. For herds enrolled in the national Dairy Herd Status Monitoring program, follow USDA program instructions.

Samples to submit from non-lactating cattle

  • Nasal swab in one 15 ml screw top vial*, pictured, with 0.5 ml sterile saline added.
  • Access information regarding testing cats for HPAI.

AHDC submission protocol for bovine HPAI testing

  1. For fast and easy on-line ordering, use our new bovine HPAI ordering application online. Otherwise, completely fill out a general submission form, including the premises ID in the owner information box. Include the reason for testing in the history box. Reasons for testing may include interstate movement from Affected States, international movement, testing of sick animals, or screening for other purposes. The test code is BAIPCR.
  2. Use an insulated shipping container. Ship overnight with cold packs. Place a copy of the submission form in an envelope adhered to the outside of the box. Use a separate submission form and package to request any other diagnostic tests.
  3. Write the letter "F" in large print on all sides of the shipping box.
  4. Email ahdcmammalfad@cornell.edu before 7 a.m. EST on the day the samples are due to arrive with the tracking number. Attach a copy of the completed submission form to the email. In the body of the email please write that you are sending samples for bovine HPAI testing. For online orders using our bovine HPAI ordering application, there is no need to send an email.

Veterinarians are encouraged to contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services (607-253-3900 or email vetsupport@cornell.edu) to discuss testing protocol.