The U.S. Department of Agriculture has mandated nationwide testing of raw milk for bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, to protect dairy herds and prevent the virus's spread. This initiative aims to enhance safety for farmers and farmworkers and involves collecting milk samples from various dairy-related facilities. The testing will begin on December 16 in six states, with positive results requiring reporting and contact tracing. The move follows outbreaks affecting 718 dairy herds across 15 states, with some human cases reported among dairy and poultry workers.
The USDA has mandated federal testing of the U.S. milk supply for bird flu, following concerns about the H5N1 virus potentially mutating to affect humans more efficiently. This new order requires dairy farms and related entities to provide milk samples for testing, with positive results reported to the USDA. Initial testing will begin in December across six states, as part of efforts to monitor and control the spread of the virus. Recent human cases have been reported in several states, raising public health concerns.
The U.S. government has mandated nationwide testing of raw and unpasteurized milk for bird flu, starting December 16, to monitor and control the spread of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows. Initial testing will occur in six states, with the aim of containing the virus, which has infected over 700 herds across 15 states since March. While the risk to humans remains low, pasteurization effectively kills the virus in milk. The move seeks to reassure farmworkers and enhance safety measures.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin expanded testing of raw milk from dairy silos nationwide to track the spread of the H5N1 bird flu, which has been affecting dairy cattle since March. This new federal order mandates the sharing of raw milk samples and requires herd owners to provide information for contact tracing if their cattle test positive. The testing aims to enhance biosecurity and control the virus's spread. The first round of testing will start on December 16 in six states, including California and Michigan, where infected herds have been reported.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has mandated testing of the national milk supply for bird flu, specifically targeting bulk milk transporters and dairy processors. This measure aims to identify dairy herds affected by the H5N1 strain, which has been spreading among livestock, including poultry and dairy cows. The testing initiative, set to begin on December 16, seeks to control the virus's spread and ensure the safety of animals and farmworkers. As of now, 718 dairy herds have been impacted by the virus.
The USDA has introduced a pilot program allowing bulk milk testing for bird flu in dairy cows before interstate transport, aiming to ease the burden of individual cow testing and reduce virus spread. While the program could help mitigate risks and protect the milk supply, some veterinarians warn that bulk testing may not be sufficient to confirm herds are virus-free. The program requires farms to test negative for three consecutive weeks using bulk tank samples to move cattle without additional testing, with ongoing weekly submissions to maintain status.
