Making headlines: March 2025

With the current highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak dominating news cycles, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has been a key source of information for journalists covering the issue.

Experts looking for new ways to stop the spread of bird flu ┃CBS Minnesota
With highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1) threatening turkey flocks in Minnesota—the No. 1 turkey producing state in the nation—this report highlights current and potential efforts to detect and stop the virus’ spread, including regular testing conducted by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Minnesota prepares to start testing raw milk next month┃KSTP 5 News
Dr. Hemant Naikare, the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, speaks about roll out of testing of raw milk on dairy farms as the USDA works to control the spread of the highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1). He notes how the lab is working with state and national officials to prepare for the additional testing demands, which is part of the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy.

Statewide bird flu testing begins at M┃KIMT 3 News
Dr. Hemant Naikare, the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, speaks to the impact of new raw milk testing procedures for dairy farms in response to the ongoing highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak (H5N1). Naikare says dairy farms already send unprocessed milk samples to the lab for hormone and other diagnostic testing, so the impact to producers will likely be limited to providing additional samples. 

How is the U of M working to solve avian flu in MN through milk testing?┃WCCO Radio
Dr. Hemant Naikare, the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, speaks about the efforts of the VDL and a group of Minnesota researchers are undertaking to test milk from dairy farms in the state looking for signs of avian influenza (H5N1).

Hundreds of tests show no positive results for bird flu in MN raw milk as researchers work to slow virus spread┃KSTP 5 News
Dr. Hemant Naikare, the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, gives insight into how many Minnesota dairies have had milk tested for avian influenza (H5N1) and an update on the lab’s continuing surveillance efforts during the outbreak.