While bird flu (H5N1) outbreaks are affecting dairy herds in the Midwest and western United States (U.S.), a team of researchers at the University of Vermont (UVM) is focused on the impacts of foreign animal disease outbreaks on regional dairy production in the "New England milkshed.” The milkshed is defined by all sources of milk processed or manufactured into dairy products within New England, including farms in eastern New York state that ship milk into the region.

New England milkshed producers and industry allies are invited to a one-day, interactive workshop during March 2025, to determine the feasibility and workability of establishing a regional protection zone as a foreign animal disease response strategy. At the end of the day, participants will weigh in on their willingness to see a regionalization plan move forward and develop recommendations for action.

Visit the Secure Food Supply New England website for more information about the regionalization project and to register for the workshop at https://go.uvm.edu/regional-zoning-website

Please email sfsne@uvm.edu with questions about the workshop.