By The National Dairy FARM Biosecurity Program
Predicting the future is impossible. Preparing for the unexpected is possible. That was one of the topics discussed at the World Dairy Expo, where a panel explored the potential impact of emerging diseases on the dairy industry. As harvest wraps up and plans for 2026 get underway, consider creating continuity in your business plan if your dairy is unable to move raw milk or cattle for a few days – or longer.
Secure milk supply plan for continuity of business
Limiting animal and animal product movement is one strategy to control the spread of diseases. The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan aims to support business continuity while not spreading disease. It was created because the dairy industry recognized how a “stop movement” of raw milk for a contagious animal disease would affect their business. The SMS Plan is a tool to use when cattle are affected by movement controls but not infected with foot and mouth disease (FMD) or a similar contagious animal disease. More information on FMD and the SMS Plan is available at www.securemilk.org.
The SMS Plan was created by the dairy industry and decision makers for the dairy industry and consumers. A group of dairy farmers, processors, milk haulers, veterinarians, disease and biosecurity experts at universities, and state and federal animal health officials came together to write the first SMS Plan. It was last updated in 2017, and both the dairy industry and disease response plans have changed. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recognized the need and assembled a stakeholder group in 2025 to propose updates. The SMS Plan development and updates were funded by USDA.
Benefits of SMS Plan updates
The SMS Plan updates include how to safely move raw milk and colostrum for animal feed and include new information on frozen semen and embryos. It’s expanding beyond FMD to include “similar contagious diseases” like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This unexpected contagious disease spread to dairy cattle in 17 states, affecting animal health and business continuity. Updated resources for biosecurity are underway. Simplified movement guidance permit criteria are included. This broader set of preparedness tools helps the dairy industry, and ultimately, consumers of American dairy products.
Gathering feedback
NMPF and the stakeholder group seek your input on the proposed changes to the SMS Plan. Join a webinar, watch a recording of the changes, and submit comments by Dec. 20 at www.nationaldairyfarm.com.
The SMS Plan aims to help producers:
- Develop contingency plans for interrupted movement.
- Limit exposure to their herd through enhanced biosecurity.
- Learn how to find early signs of disease.
- Request an outbreak movement permit from state officials for raw milk (if required) and healthy animals going to harvest or another premises.
- Continue to supply safe and wholesome milk to consumers.
Additional information:
What is foot and mouth disease (FMD)?
Sometimes called “hoof” and mouth disease, FMD is a very contagious foreign animal disease. It’s found in two-thirds of the countries of the world. The last U.S. case was in California in 1929. Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia had cases this summer after being FMD-free for over 50 years.
FMD causes blisters on the feet and in the mouth of two-toed (cloven-hooved) animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer, bison, and other wildlife. Cattle with FMD will be lame, drool, and do not want to move or eat or be milked because of the painful foot, mouth, and teat sores. It does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink. An outbreak will have a significant mental health impact on individual farmers due to closed export markets, disease control measures, animal suffering, and financial uncertainty. Learn more about FMD at www.fmdinfo.org.
This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Oct. 27, 2025.
