08.12.2024

The USDA has issued a new Federal Order, along with accompanying guidance, mandating the collection and submission of raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide for testing. This Federal Order introduces three key requirements:
1. Entities involved in dairy operations - including dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, bulk milk transfer stations, and dairy processing facilities handling milk intended for pasteurization - must share raw milk samples with the USDA upon request.
2. Herd owners with cattle that test positive must provide epidemiological data to support activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance.
3. Private laboratories and state veterinarians are required to report positive test results from raw milk samples collected under the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) to the USDA.
It is too late, or too little, or both.