USDA orders testing across nation's milk supply amid rising bird flu cases in the US

Published 2024년 12월 6일

Tridge summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has initiated mandatory testing of the national milk supply due to concerns over bird flu, which has affected over 710 dairy herds in 15 states since March. Testing will occur at dairy farms and during milk transportation or processing, with private labs required to report any positive cases. The program starts in six states, including California and Pennsylvania, aiming to detect the disease, monitor trends, and assist states in managing affected herds to control the virus's spread. California health officials have already recalled products from Raw Farm due to potential contamination. While infected milk poses risks, pasteurized milk remains safe. This order follows an April mandate for testing lactating dairy cows before interstate transport.

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Original content

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a federal order requiring the testing of the nation's milk supply amid increasing concerns over bird flu. The influenza virus has been raising alarm since it was detected in a Texas cow back in March. Since then, the virus has spread to over 710 dairy herds across 15 states, with California reporting the highest number of infections. At least 58 people have been infected with bird flu, including one child living in the San Francisco Bay area. The new federal order will give regulators the power to test samples from dairy farms or when milk is being transported or processed. Private labs will also be required to report any positive cases. The testing program is launching first in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. USDA said Friday the purpose of the federal order is to "identify where the disease is present, monitor trends, and help states identify potentially affected herds." "Among many outcomes, this ...

Source: Npr