USDA confirmed Wisconsin’s first known case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle on December 14, 2025. Whole-genome sequencing later identified the virus as H5N1 genotype D1.1 and led USDA to describe the detection as a separate spillover from wildlife into cattle—not part of the earlier B3.13 cattle outbreak.
What USDA confirmed in Wisconsin
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in a Wisconsin dairy herd using PCR and ELISA. The herd was in Dodge County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). USDA said the case was detected through routine National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) testing, not pre-movement surveillance. USDA’s December 14, 2025 announcement and DATCP’s case notice describe the initial finding.
What “new wildlife spillover” means
NVSL completed whole-genome sequencing on December 17. In its December 19 announcement, USDA identified the virus as H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1 and said: “Analysis indicates that this detection is a new spillover event from wildlife into dairy cattle, separate from previous events.” USDA’s sequencing announcement is the primary source for that interpretation.
Here, “separate” distinguishes Wisconsin’s D1.1 finding from the earlier B3.13 event associated with the Texas Panhandle. USDA said most U.S. dairy-herd detections had been linked to animal movements associated with that earlier event. It also reported separate D1.1 spillovers in Nevada and Arizona earlier in 2025; those detections should not be treated as one chain of transmission with Wisconsin.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- 6.6-GALLON STAINLESS STEEL BARREL: The large 6.6-gallon capacity reduces the frequency of emptying during milking sessions, saving you time and labor. Made of food-grade stainless steel, it ensures hygienic milk collection and is easy to clean. Ideal for small to medium dairy farms.
- POWERFUL VACUUM PUMP: Equipped with a 1500 rpm motor providing 16.2 inHg suction power, this machine milks cows and goats quickly and thoroughly. The pulsation system mimics natural calf feeding rhythms to ensure comfort for your herd, making your daily milking routine much faster than hand milking.
- ADJUSTABLE PULSATOR SYSTEM: Featuring a pulsation rate of 60-80 times per minute, this system mimics the natural suckling action of calves. This gentle yet effective operation prevents teat damage and keeps your livestock relaxed during the milking process, improving overall milk yield.
- USER-FRIENDLY & PORTABLE DESIGN: Built with a sturdy handle, rubber wheels, and casters, this 61.5 lbs milker moves easily across your farm. The simple start-stop switch makes operation straightforward. Designed for the US market with a standard 110V plug, ready to use out of the box.
- COMPLETE MILKING KIT & EASY CLEANING: Comes with essential accessories including a pair of gloves and specialized brush cleaners to maintain hygiene between uses. The detachable milk-suction head and transparent hoses simplify the cleaning process, ensuring your equipment stays sanitary for the next milking cycle.
The agency’s conclusion does not identify the particular wild animal involved, when exposure occurred, or the route by which the virus reached the herd. The Wisconsin announcement names no wildlife species or direct exposure pathway, so the precise source remains unspecified.
How the Wisconsin case fits the outbreak timeline
- March 2024: USDA describes this as the first confirmed spread of HPAI among U.S. dairy cattle. A separate USDA technical brief says genomic sequencing and modeling suggested the earlier B3.13 spillover into cattle likely occurred between October 2023 and January 2024; that estimate concerns the earlier event, not Wisconsin. USDA’s technical brief provides that background.
- December 14, 2025: USDA announced the first known HPAI detection in Wisconsin cattle, found through routine NMTS testing. At that point, sequencing was pending.
- December 17, 2025: NVSL completed whole-genome sequencing.
- December 19, 2025: USDA announced the D1.1 genotype and its separate wildlife-to-cattle spillover interpretation. The release said no additional dairy herds associated with the Wisconsin event had been identified at that time. That was a dated snapshot, not a statement of current status.
USDA’s December 14, 2025 release also said dairy cattle in 18 states had been infected since the outbreak began in March 2024. That was the agency’s count on that date, not a current tally.
Rank #2
- Efficient Electric Milking Power: Upgrade your daily farm routine with this robust milker machine. The high performance 550W motor operates at 1680 RPM, delivering a steady vacuum for rapid milking sessions. It serves as a reliable milking machine that replaces tiring manual labor with automated precision. This system functions as a professional milker to help you save time during early morning chores.
- Gentle Pulsation for Livestock: Prioritize animal comfort with our advanced milking machine for cows and goats logic. The adjustable vacuum mimics natural nursing to keep your herd calm. While optimized as a milk machine for cows, you can swap components for use as a goat milking machine portable device. It ensures a comfortable massage, making it a functional milk machine for diverse ranch needs.
- Mobile Cart for High Portability: Transport your equipment effortlessly across the barn with the cow milking machine portable cart. Featuring heavy duty wheels and a non slip handle, this cow milker machine is designed for easy handling even when the 6.6 gallon bucket is full. It is the most practical cow milking machine for large herds, providing a stable platform for professional livestock management.
- Food Grade Sanitary Construction: Ensure the purity of your yield with this high quality cow milker system. The 25L bucket is crafted from 304 stainless steel, serving as a durable descremadora de leche de vaca or ordeñadoras para vacas lecheras for high volume production. The silicone tubing maintains the fresh taste of your milk, making it a reliable milk pasteurizer machine companion for your dairy.
- Full Sealed Leak Proof System: Maximize your farm yield with our secure maquina de ordeño para ganado sealing technology. Every connection is fully airtight to prevent spills, acting as the ideal cow milking supplies for small or large operations. This unit is optimized for those needing a consistent milk machine for cows result every time. Enjoy a mess free experience with this heavy duty farm equipment.
How the herd was detected and what later surveillance reported
Routine NMTS testing was the detection route for this herd. In a later bulletin, DATCP reported that Wisconsin had tested more than 55,000 milk samples, representing nearly all licensed dairies in the state. The bulletin points to updated figures for August 9–15, 2026. It also said Wisconsin met NMTS criteria for Unaffected State Status under the movement-testing guidance described there. These are state surveillance details tied to that 2026 bulletin, not a claim that no new cases have occurred since the 2025 announcement. DATCP’s HPAI bulletin contains the dated context; surveillance counts and movement rules can change.
Is commercial pasteurized milk safe?
USDA said this detection did not affect the safety of commercial pasteurized milk. Milk from affected animals was diverted or destroyed, and pasteurization effectively inactivates HPAI virus. The agency described risk to the general public as low. Those statements address the commercial pasteurized supply and general public risk; they do not mean that people with direct exposure to infected animals or wildlife have no risk.
Rank #3
- Durable Grain Goatskin Leather - These gloves can withstand tough working conditions and frequent use.The high-quality material provides ample dexterity, pliability, and the protection and performance you need to get the job done.
- Comfortable Out-Seam Index Finger - The design of these gloves provides a smooth and seamless interior feel. With this work glove, you won't have to worry about rubbing or chafing thanks to the elimination of rub points caused by traditional in-seam designs
- Safety Easy-On Cuff - These gloves makes it simple to pull on and remove quickly if needed. Whether you're working in a fast-paced environment or need to remove your gloves quickly in an emergency, the easy-on cuff of this work glove has got you covered
- Anti-Fatigue Keystone Thumb Design - These gloves allows for full range of motion and helps prevent hand fatigue. The flexible keystone thumb design of this work glove helps reduce strain on the hands, making it perfect for tasks that require extended use
- Suitable for a Variety of Tasks - These gloves are ideal for gardening, farm work, ranch work, DIY projects, and landscaping. The durable, comfortable, and safe design of these gloves make them a reliable choice for any job that requires protection and dexterity
Farm workers and others who handle infected birds or mammals, or have work-related or recreational exposure to them, face higher risk than the general public. Follow current CDC bird flu prevention guidance for precautions appropriate to direct exposure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What dairy producers can do
USDA recommends enhanced biosecurity and prompt reporting of livestock with clinical signs or unusual sick or dead wildlife to state authorities. Practical steps in its guidance include:
Rank #4
- Durable Grain Goatskin Leather - Made with durable grain goatskin leather, these gloves provides long-lasting use in various industries.In addition to its durability, this work glove also boasts ample dexterity and pliability for maximum performance and comfort on the job
- Anti-Fatigue Keystone Thumb Design - These gloves allows for full range of motion and helps prevent hand fatigue. The flexible keystone thumb design of this work glove helps reduce strain on the hands, making it perfect for tasks that require extended use
- Safety Easy-On Cuff - These gloves makes it simple to pull on and remove quickly if needed. Whether you're working in a fast-paced environment or need to remove your gloves quickly in an emergency, the easy-on cuff of this work glove has got you covered
- Comfortable Out-Seam Index Finger - The design of these gloves provides a smooth and seamless interior feel. With this work glove, you won't have to worry about rubbing or chafing thanks to the elimination of rub points caused by traditional in-seam designs
- Suitable for a Variety of Industries - The gloves are ideal for construction, farm work, ranching, DIY projects, and landscaping. No matter what type of work you do, this durable and comfortable work glove is an excellent choice for protecting your hands on the job
- Limit visitors and avoid sharing equipment where possible.
- Clean and disinfect vehicle and trailer tires.
- Keep separate boots and coveralls for use in animal areas.
- Keep wildlife and other species away from livestock areas.
DATCP listed reduced feed intake with decreased rumen motility, reduced herd milk production or increased milk conductivity, and dry or tacky manure among signs reported in affected cattle. These are indicators the agency described, not a do-it-yourself diagnosis. Producers should contact their veterinarian and report concerns to state authorities. USDA’s livestock biosecurity guidance provides additional farm practices, while DATCP’s Wisconsin notice describes the state response.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXTENDED ARM DESIGN – These long arm disposable gloves extend from the fingertips along the wrist and arm, providing more coverage than standard disposable gloves. The extended design is suitable for livestock handling, farm tasks, animal care, cleaning, and other routine applications.
- CLEAR PE MATERIAL – Made from lightweight transparent polyethylene, these veterinary gloves provide a simple single-use option for farm and animal-care tasks. The clear material allows users to see hand and arm positioning while working with livestock or handling wet materials.
- FIVE-FINGER FLEXIBLE DESIGN – Individual finger construction allows natural hand movement and convenient handling during routine tasks. These long arm gloves are designed for practical dexterity while working around cattle, livestock, farm animals, barns, stables, and other agricultural environments.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO WEAR – The thin polyethylene construction offers a flexible feel without unnecessary bulk. These disposable gloves can be pulled over the hand, wrist, and arm for tasks where extended coverage is preferred over conventional short disposable gloves.
- SINGLE-USE CONVENIENCE – Designed for disposable use, these veterinary long gloves are convenient for changing between different tasks. They are suitable for routine farm work, animal handling, inspection, cleaning, agricultural tasks, and other situations where a fresh pair is preferred.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
