5CER26-13. Temporary Restrictions on the Importation of Dairy Cattle

(1) Except where more stringent requirements are adopted herein, dairy cattle being imported into Florida must meet the testing and movement requirements referenced in Chapter 5C-3, Florida Administrative Code, as well as the Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock (4/24/24) (“Federal Order 4/24/24”), the Federal Order Requiring Additional Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock and Milk (12/06/24) (“Federal Order 12/06/24”), and the APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock For State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers (1/21/26) (“APHIS Requirements”), all of which are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference. The Case Definition for Avian Influenza (AI) (August 2024) cited within the APHIS Requirements and the Herd Status Definitions set forth in USDA HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program, APHIS-24-029, February 2025, are also hereby adopted and incorporated by reference. These documents are available for review at https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Animal-Industry. (2) In addition to complying with the requirements set forth in Federal Order 4/24/24, Federal Order 12/06/24, and APHIS Requirements, the following documentation is required when importing dairy cattle into Florida: (a) Dairy cattle originating from a state that is not designated by the USDA as having HPAI Unaffected State Status pursuant to the APHIS Requirements must meet the Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) requirements set forth in Rule 5C-3.002, F.A.C. The OCVI must also include the following information: 1. The lactation status of the animal (lactating or non-lactating). 2. For lactating dairy cattle required to test negative for Bovine Associated Influenza A (H5N1) pursuant to subsection (1), the negative test results, laboratory name, accession number, and test date. Notwithstanding paragraph 5C-3.002(1)(c), F.A.C., the OCVI and test date must be no more than 7 days prior to importation into Florida. Lactating dairy cattle originating from a Voluntary HPAI Monitored Unaffected Herd are not required to be individually tested, but the OCVI must include a statement that the herd’s status is “Voluntary HPAI Monitored Unaffected Herd” and must provide the date of the last HPAI test. 3. Notwithstanding paragraph 5C-3.002(1)(c), F.A.C., the OCVI issue date for non-lactating dairy cattle must be no more than 10 days prior to importation into Florida. (b) Dairy cattle originating from a herd which has tested positive for HPAI within the previous 120 days are prohibited from importation into Florida. (3) Exception for Movement to Slaughter. Notwithstanding the requirements set forth within this rule, lactating dairy cattle being imported into Florida and moving directly to slaughter are not required to be tested for the H5N1 Influenza virus if they are accompanied by a lawful OCVI or an Owner-Shipper Statement that complies with the requirements set forth in Chapter 5C-3, F.A.C., and was issued within 10 days of entry into Florida.