Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Declared Virus-Free Amid National Crisis

Pennsylvania has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, becoming the first major dairy-producing state to attain HPAI-free status. This accolade follows extensive collaboration between the state’s Department of Agriculture, federal authorities, and industry partners, ensuring the state's dairy industry remains impervious to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The designation assures that comprehensive testing has found no presence of HPAI in Pennsylvania’s dairy cattle, thus ensuring the safety of the milk supply and fortifying the agriculture industry within the state. This progress stems from determined efforts by the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), which processed an impressive 22,000 bulk milk samples, a task covering virtually all of the state’s 4,784 dairy farms.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding lauded this achievement, citing it as a testament to Pennsylvania's resilience and commitment to agriculture. "Pennsylvania’s food supply is safe and secure, thanks to our unified approach and strategic investments," stated Redding. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that HPAI threats remain at large, with new detections reported in Nevada.

Crucial funding from bipartisan-supported budgets under Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has mitigated losses in the poultry sector while shielding the dairy industry. Proposed developments in the 2025-26 budget aim to uphold Pennsylvania’s agricultural lead despite ongoing threats.

Although Pennsylvania celebrates a significant victory against a national crisis, officials underline the importance of continued vigilance to maintain this hard-earned status.