Veterinary - Testing Cattle for Influenza A

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

Who can collect samples?

  • State Animal Health Officials (SAHOs) 
  • USDA accredited veterinarians 
  • Veterinarians licensed in NC 
  • There may be allowances for training and certification of sample collectors at a later date. 

How are samples collected? 

  • 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.  

How do I submit the milk samples? 

  • 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. 

Which lab can I submit samples to? 

  • Approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network labs (NAHLN) 
  • Rollins is the only approved NAHLN lab in North Carolina. 
    Mailing address:  
    1031 Mail Service Center 
    Raleigh, NC 27699-1031 

    Physical Address: 
    4400 Reedy Creek Rd 
    Raleigh, N.C. 27607

    Phone number: (919) 733-3986 
    Website: Veterinary - NC Diagnostic Laboratory System | NC Agriculture 
  • All other approved NAHLN labs for Influenza A testing

For submitting to Rollins which submission form do I use? 

  • 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.  

What about sampling groups of cows? 

  • 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. 

How long will it take for test results after submission? 

Currently expect 3 days or less.

Will USDA pay for the influenza A tests? 

  • 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 to sample collection for premovement testing: 

Field Guide for Influenza A Testing

Voluntary Influenza A Testing of Dairy Cattle 

What about testing lactating dairy cattle voluntarily for reasons other than movement? 

  • 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. 

What would fall under voluntary testing? 

  • 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) 

What about bulk tank samples?  

Testing pooled (bulk tank) milk for herd characterization or recovery is currently under validation. Participation requires pre-approval. Please contact NVSL.Info@usda.gov for details.  

What are considered suspect cattle? 

  •  Sick cattle suspected to be infected with HPAI: see the USDA case definition
  • Asymptomatic cattle that have been exposed to affected cattle. 
  • USDA will support testing costs for suspected herds. 

What about suspect cattle that are not lactating?  

  • 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.