FAQs to Facilitate HPAI Influenza Testing in Milk Samples from Lactating Cattle

Updated: February 11, 2025. Information is constantly evolving; we will update these pages as guidance changes.  Please check back here often

Notifications:

  • CT State Animal Health Officer (SAHO): ctstate.vet@ct.gov or call 860-713-2505
  • Contact the CVMDL if you need help contacting the SAHO in other states

A Federal Premises ID Number (PIN) is required for testing and must be on the sample submission form, as the PIN is required for federal reimbursement of testing costs.  Results will not be released until a PIN is provided.

Specimen Types: Raw milk from lactating cattle

  • That are moving either interstate or intrastate. Lactating cows going to slaughter are excluded from mandatory testing.
  • That are suspected of disease
  • That is for personal use to confirm absence disease (“worried well”)

General collection:

  • Samples must be collected by a Category II accredited veterinarian or an authorized collector (contact the laboratory or SAHO with any questions)
  • Clearly label each specimen with an identifier.
  • Collect milk from all four quarters and pool approximately equal volumes into one plastic, clean tube (3-10mL total volume).  (Some collection containers may be available at the CVMDL; contact the lab.)
  • Do NOT pool samples from different cows.
  • Keep sample(s) refrigerated.

Shipping/Submission:

  • Use the CVMDL Bovine HPAI Submission form
  • Store samples in a refrigerator until shipping or delivery
  • Ship or bring the samples to CVMDL within 24 hours of collection
  • Ship on / with frozen icepacks
  • If hand delivering the samples, it is acceptable to transport them in a cooler without icepacks

Reporting:

  • Results will be reported within 3 business days after receipt at the laboratory
  • All results will also be sent to the appropriate SAHO and local the USDA Office.
  • If the virus is detected, the result(s) will also be reported to the CT Veterinary Public Health Officer (if a CT resident).
  • If the virus is detected, the sample will be forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmatory testing.

Resources: