Premovement Dairy Cattle Testing & Sample Submission

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is committed to assisting the dairy industry as it navigates testing requirements enacted by the USDA. 

As of May 5, 2026: Lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from states classified as Unaffected under the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) are no longer required to be tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement.

Maryland was granted Unaffected State Status (Stage 4) under NMTS in November 2025. This means:

• Lactating dairy cattle leaving Maryland do NOT need to be individually tested for HPAI.
• Lactating dairy cattle entering Maryland from states with Unaffected State Status (Stage 4) under NMTS do NOT need to be individually tested for HPAI.
• A CVI is still required for the interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle.CVIs accompanying lactating dairy cattle must include:
  • Individual official identification for all cattle listed.
  • Recording each animal’s official ID on the CVI.
  • A statement confirming the cattle are free from, and have not been exposed to, any known contagious or infectious disease.

Veterinarians are encouraged to contact the Maryland Dept of Agriculture Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or email [email protected] to discuss testing protocol. Fees for testing bovine specimens for HPAI are paid by the USDA.   

Sample Collection & Testing Requirements

Sample collection and testing for interstate pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle from non Stage 4 Unaffected states per USDA guidance:

• Samples must be collected under the supervision of a licensed or accredited veterinarian or as determined by the respective State Animal Health Official.  Designated individuals on production sites can be trained to collect milk samples and nasal swab samples for diagnostic testing.  
• The pre-movement testing requirement does NOT apply to non-clinical lactating dairy cattle moving interstate directly to slaughter. Those cattle will require an Owner- Hauler Statement to accompany movement to slaughter.
• Milk samples: Samples to be collected include milk/udder secretions from individual cows.  Do not pool samples from different cows. 
  • Each quarter is sampled and combined into one screw top tube sample for submission to the laboratory. ○ Submissions must be between 10-12 ml of milk per animal.  
  • Label each sample with Farm Name and Bovine Tag ID
• For groups/lots of 30 or fewer animals moving interstate, all animals being moved must be tested. If more than 30 animals are moving interstate, then only 30 animals total must be tested.
• Sample collection and testing must take place no more than seven (7) days prior to interstate movement.
•  Please allow three (3) days for receipt of testing results from the date of submission to the laboratory/receipt of the samples at the laboratory if shipped. 
• For testing of symptomatic cattle or screening of nonlactating cattle, please contact at 410-841-5810 or email [email protected] 
  • Non-milk samples for testing that do not fall under the USDA movement requirements should be submitted separately. 

National Premises Registration ID

A National Premise Registration Number is REQUIRED for testing. If the property does not have a PIN (Prem ID Number), please complete a Premises Registration form - PDF - 710.85 KB to submit prior to /or with the sample submission.

How to Submit Samples to MDA Laboratories 

To ensure a prompt result, it is recommended that samples be submitted to the lab within 24 hours of collection. Please note that the tubes must be delivered to the lab no later than 72 hours after collection or samples may be rejected. 

It is critical to submit samples properly packaged with thoroughly completed paperwork that includes the premise ID to mitigate any potential delays in testing. 

1. Completely fill out the BOVINE Influenza Services Request Form including the premises ID.
2. Place sample tubes in a plastic bag with absorbent material. Use an insulated shipping container. Ship overnight with cold packs. 
3. Place a copy of the BOVINE Influenza Services Request Form & Premises Registration form - PDF - 710.85 KB (if needed) in a separate plastic bag and place on top of samples and ice packs so that it is the first item seen when opening the box.
4. Email [email protected] with the tracking number of the shipment and a copy of the completed submission form. In the body of the email please write that you are sending samples for bovine HPAI testing. 
5. Please allow three (3) days for receipt of testing results from the date of sample receipt at the laboratory. 

Where to submit samples

• Ship or drop off samples to Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory (fastest method for result turnaround) 
• Drop off samples to Frederick Animal Health Laboratory (samples will be shipped to Salisbury for testing each day) 

Contact us

If there are any further questions or concerns, please contact the Maryland Dept of Agriculture Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or email [email protected].