Restrictions placed on some cattle transfers into state

LIHU‘E — Due to the recent detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has been reported and detected on the mainland, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has restricted the transport of cattle into the state from premises where cattle infection has been detected.

“The Animal Disease Control Branch has been closely monitoring this situation and is establishing these restrictions to help protect Hawai’i’s livestock,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture.

The restrictions by HDOA’s Animal Disease Control went into place on April 5, 2024.

So far, avian influenza has been detected in dairy cattle from Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Idaho, Ohio and Michigan. However, restrictions will be placed on any future areas where HPAI-infected cattle are found.

“The HDOA already requires certificates of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinary for imported cattle but adding the additional requirement that all health certificates must include a statement by the veterinarian that states: “All animals identified on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) have been inspected by me and do not originate from premises with a confirmed detection of HPAI in cattle or premises that is currently under investigation with a suspect herd,” she said.

Additionally, the eligible cattle from unaffected premises in states where avian influenza has been detected in cattle, must be inspected within 72 hours of shipment and found to be free of signs of HPAI infection,” added Hurd.

To date, HPAI has not been detected in birds, poultry, livestock or other animal species in Hawai‘i.

HDOA already restricts the import of poultry and birds originating from areas and states involved in significant HPAI outbreaks.

Contact HDOA.LDC@hawaii.gov with questions or for additional information.