In a proactive response to the initial threat, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) had joined the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in February 2025. This collaborative effort was designed to monitor for and contain any potential spread of the H5N1 virus within the state’s dairy cow population. Although a single case was identified in a dairy herd in March, subsequent and rigorous testing has shown no further detections, validating the state’s containment efforts.

Following the USDA’s declaration, the MDA will now scale back its testing frequency for raw milk samples from a monthly to a bimonthly schedule. This adjustment reflects the improved biosecurity status of the state’s dairy farms, though continued monitoring remains a requirement until all 50 U.S. states achieve “Unaffected” status. The MDA’s ability to further reduce testing hinges on the continued flow of negative results, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance across the industry.

Despite the positive developments in Minnesota, the broader threat of H5N1 remains. The virus continues to pose a significant danger to poultry and carries the risk of human illness. The dairy sector must remain prepared to respond to any new detections. The established protocols include a response plan that guides affected farms through a quarantine period and a series of follow-up tests, ensuring that any new case is handled swiftly and effectively to prevent further spread.