The USDA will require testing of milk stored before processing to better track the bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle. (madisonwi/E+/Getty Images)
The U.S. government has announced a new initiative to test the nation's milk supply for bird flu, aiming to monitor and curb the spread of the virus in dairy cows. Starting December 16, raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors across the country must undergo testing upon request, according to the Department of Agriculture. Initial testing will focus on six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
The effort targets the Type A H5N1 bird flu virus, which was first identified in U.S. dairy cows in March. Since then, over 700 herds in 15 states have been infected. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized that the testing initiative is crucial for controlling the virus and safeguarding both livestock and workers. “This step will boost confidence among farmers and help us contain the virus more effectively,” Vilsack stated.
Health officials have reassured the public that the risk of bird flu to humans remains low. Pasteurization processes effectively kill the virus, ensuring milk remains safe to consume. However, concerns persist over raw milk, which can harbor live virus strains.
Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, welcomed the move, noting it as a long-overdue response to calls from veterinarians and scientists for comprehensive testing. “This is progress toward better understanding and managing the virus,” he said.
Despite these measures, some dairy farmers have hesitated to test their milk or livestock, fearing potential economic fallout. Jamie Jonker, the National Milk Producers Federation's chief science officer, voiced industry support for the USDA's efforts to eliminate the virus.
Under the federal mandate, farmers and handlers of raw milk for pasteurization must provide samples for testing when requested. Positive test results must be reported to the USDA, and herd owners are required to share basic information to help trace infections.
This directive builds on an earlier federal order from April that required testing of certain dairy cattle before interstate movement. Despite such regulations, the virus continues to spread. Poulsen noted that raw milk from infected cows contains high concentrations of the virus.
At least 58 people in the U.S., mostly farm workers, have contracted bird flu, experiencing mild symptoms after close contact with infected cows or poultry. Bird flu has also been detected in wild birds and other animal species.
Federal officials continue to caution against consuming raw milk due to the risk of contamination. In California, a farm was recently quarantined after bird flu was found in raw milk sold in stores, prompting a voluntary recall of products from Raw Farm in Fresno produced after November 9.
