The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a new federal order that requires nationwide testing of raw milk samples for bird flu. This decision comes in response to an outbreak that has infected over 50 people and affected hundreds of dairy herds. Previously, testing efforts were focused on interstate movement of cattle and states where bird flu cases had been reported.
Under the new order, raw milk samples from dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, and dairy processing facilities must be shared with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service upon request. Herd owners with cattle testing positive for avian influenza will need to provide information for contact tracing and disease surveillance. Private laboratories and state veterinarians are also required to report any positive bird flu test results to the USDA.
This initiative marks the beginning of the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, aimed at expanding testing at the regional and farm levels to identify and contain the virus. The agency will conduct nationwide testing of milk silos at dairy processing facilities to pinpoint affected herds and areas where the disease is present.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of swift identification and response to protect dairy herds’ health. The first round of testing under the new requirements is set to commence the week of December 16.
The decision to implement national testing follows the discovery of the H5N1 virus in raw milk samples from Raw Farm in Fresno, California, prompting a product recall and quarantine. This development signifies a shift in the bird flu outbreak, which had primarily affected poultry and wild birds until a dairy cow was infected in late March, leading to an increase in cases among animals and posing a threat to humans.
As of December 6, 58 people have tested positive for bird flu, with the majority of cases originating in California and linked to exposure to infected cattle. Health officials stress the importance of ongoing testing efforts to safeguard individuals and communities nationwide.
In conclusion, the USDA’s new federal order for nationwide bird flu testing of raw milk samples reflects a proactive approach to combatting the outbreak and protecting public health. The collaboration between federal, state, and industry partners underscores the dedication to identifying and containing the virus to ensure the safety of dairy herds and the general population.
