WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant effort to monitor and contain the spread of bird flu, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday that Bird flu milk testing will be required at dairy farms nationwide starting December 16, 2024. This initiative aims to address the growing prevalence of the Type A H5N1 virus in dairy cows, first detected in March of this year.
Testing to Begin in Six States
The initial testing will begin in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Under this federal mandate, raw milk producers and processors intended for pasteurization must provide samples for testing upon request. Positive results must be reported to the USDA, and herd owners will be required to provide basic information to help trace the disease in cattle.
“This will give farms and farmworkers greater confidence in the safety of their animals and their ability to protect themselves,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “It will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide.”
Bird flu has been confirmed in over 700 herds across 15 states, and raw milk from infected cows has been to contain high loads of the virus. While pasteurization effectively kills the virus, federal health officials warn against consuming raw milk, which may also carry other harmful pathogens in addition to bird flu.
Public Health Impact and Industry Response
Although the risk to the general public remains low, at least 58 farmworkers in the U.S. have contracted bird flu, exhibiting mild symptoms after close contact with infected cows, milk, or poultry. In California, a farm was recently quarantined after bird flu was detected in raw milk sold in stores, prompting a voluntary recall.
The National Milk Producers Federation has expressed support for the USDA’s efforts to eliminate the virus but acknowledged concerns from farmers about potential economic repercussions from widespread testing.
“This is another step in the right direction,” said Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, who has been advocating for the testing program.
Broader Implications and Consumer Safety
The new mandate builds on a previous federal order issued in April that required certain herds to be tested before interstate transport. However, the virus has continued to spread. Federal officials emphasize the need for stricter safety measures to prevent future outbreaks and protect consumers.
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