The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting South Carolina's dairy industry, particularly in light of recent viral outbreaks. A significant focus of the meeting was a program aimed at monitoring and ensuring the health of dairy cattle in the state.

Officials reported that a variant of a virus affecting dairy cattle had entered the United States from South America and Mexico, rather than the typical route from Canada. In response, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the USDA and veterinary services, initiated a testing program involving 25 dairies across the state. This program allows dairy farmers to collect samples from their bulk milk tanks weekly for three weeks, with all shipping costs covered by a grant, ensuring no financial burden on the producers.

The testing process is designed to prevent cross-contamination, utilizing certified personnel already present at the dairies for sample collection. So far, all samples returned negative results, indicating that the dairies are free from the virus. Following this initial success, the program has transitioned to monthly testing, with the first round of monthly samples also yielding negative results.

The goal of the program is to continue testing for two more months before requesting the USDA to designate South Carolina as a "high path AI dairy free virus state." This designation would enhance the state's standing in international trade, similar to previous programs for cattle and swine.

The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining the health of the dairy industry in South Carolina and the proactive measures being taken to safeguard it against viral threats. The ongoing testing and potential designation as a virus-free state could significantly impact the state's agricultural economy and trade relations.