By Andi Anderson
Indiana has joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), alongside 14 other states, to strengthen milk safety and disease monitoring. This expansion brings the total participating states to 28, covering 65% of the nation’s milk production.
As one of the newly enrolled states, Indiana emphasizes its commitment to ensuring dairy safety and supporting national milk production. The program's addition will enhance milk testing capabilities, ensuring the health of dairy herds and safeguarding consumer trust.
NMTS Expansion Details
The USDA initiated the NMTS in December 2024 with six states. Subsequent expansions added seven more states, bringing the total to 13. Today’s announcement includes Indiana, Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.
This program addresses dairy herd health, particularly amid ongoing challenges such as H5N1 outbreaks affecting dairy cattle in some regions. Though California and Texas have active detections, early NMTS results show no new infections in other states, including Indiana.
Updates on Vaccine Development
The USDA is also advancing efforts to manage H5N1 through vaccine development. While challenges remain in poultry vaccine deployment, strides have been made in cattle vaccines. At least seven candidates have been approved for field trials, aiming to protect livestock effectively.
Impacts on National Dairy Safety
With Indiana and other states joining, the NMTS nears its goal of nationwide coverage, strengthening the U.S. dairy industry’s resilience against disease outbreaks. This collective effort ensures milk safety and promotes confidence in dairy production.
Indiana's participation reflects a proactive approach to agricultural challenges, setting an example for other states. This program expansion solidifies the USDA’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s dairy supply and supporting farmers.
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Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy