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USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Two Dairy Herds in Washington
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in two dairy cattle herds in Washington. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. The affected herds were tested after exhibiting clinical signs consistent with avian influenza. Prior to this detection, the herds consistently tested negative through routine surveillance conducted under the National...
USDA and US Army Corps of Engineers Break Ground on New Texas Sterile Fly Production Facility
Groundbreaking Marks Next Major Milestone in Strengthening U.S. New World Screwworm Preparedness
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Lieutenant General William H. “Butch” Graham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) commanding general, led the groundbreaking for the new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. USDA is partnering with USACE to construct this facility, which is a cornerstone of Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged strategy (PDF, 1005 KB) to combat New World Screwworm (NWS)...
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Restrictions for Animal Commodities Originating from or Transiting Cyprus
Effective January 23, 2026, and until further notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) is restricting the importation of certain animal commodities originating from or transiting the region of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control (hereafter referred to as “Cyprus”) based on the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in domestic cattle and sheep.
The regions on the island of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control are not...
USDA Names New Leadership of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced important leadership changes within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Dr. Michael Watson, APHIS Administrator, will retire at the end of January after decades of distinguished service, and Dr. Rosemary Sifford, Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services and U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer, has recently retired from federal service after a similarly notable career. Beginning on February 1, 2026, Ms. Kelly Moore will serve as Acting Administrator and effective immediately, Dr. Alan...
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