U.S. Milk to Be Tested for Bird Flu Virus

A herd of cattle is gathered closely together, standing side by side in a field. The cows are grazing peacefully, displaying a sense of unity and togetherness within the group. - CC0 free stock photos

By Olirena Tuamoheloa, December 6th 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ramping up efforts to combat the spread of bird flu, specifically the H5N1 virus, through new regulations that will involve testing raw milk. The USDA’s strategy, set to begin on December 16, requires bulk milk samples from dairy processing facilities across the country.  

This move comes after concerns from livestock and veterinary groups that the previous surveillance efforts were insufficient to curb the rapid spread of the virus, which has already infected 400 dairy herds in 14 states. 
 
Under the new rules, dairy farmers and processors will be required to provide raw milk samples when requested by the USDA. Infected farm owners will also need to share information to help track the virus and identify further cases.  

This shift from voluntary testing to mandatory testing follows criticism that the initial approach left federal officials unable to assess the outbreak's full extent. Many dairy farms had not complied with voluntary guidelines, which experts said hindered containment efforts. 
 
The decision to expand testing was driven by a significant outbreak in California, where 200 dairy herds have tested positive since August. The virus has been detected in raw milk, raising concerns about the potential risk to both milk processors and the public, especially for those who consume unpasteurized milk. 

 Virologists have warned that the virus can replicate in cows’ udders, and raw milk from infected cows contains elevated levels of the virus, which can potentially infect farm workers exposed to it. 
 
Although the risk to the general population remains low, experts are concerned about the possibility of the virus mutating and spreading more easily among humans, particularly when combined with seasonal flu.  

The expanded surveillance aims to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health, with the hope that better testing and coordination can eventually eradicate the virus from U.S. dairy herds.