December 9, 2024
Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday in a press release announcing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to test the nation’s raw milk supply for bird flu.
Why It Matters: The USDA ordered bulk milk handlers and dairy processors to collect and share samples of their products upon request, reflecting the broader attempt to slow down the spread of bird flu. The order also requires dairy herd owners to provide information to the USDA when their cattle test positive for bird flu. This year, the U.S. has had more human cases of bird flu than any other reported year (a total of 58) as well as an increased infection in cows that spans at least 15 states. The USDA order focuses on raw (untreated) milk for all dairy farms. The CDC states that pasteurized milk is safe to consume but warns against consuming raw milk, which is sold in about 30 states but is federally prohibited from being sold across state lines.
The initial round of testing will begin on December 16th in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
Bird Flu Symptoms: For those who have been infected this year, symptoms have mostly been mild with pinkeye, coughs and sneezing. Bird flu can be asymptomatic, so the CDC recommends getting tested if exposed. (Worth noting: No evidence confirms people can pass the current strain of bird flu to one another, but scientists worry it could happen as the virus evolves.)
Read More: USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds (USDA)
USDA orders testing of milk for bird flu (NBC News)
Photo Credit: Megumi Nachev / Unsplash
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
