Fri Dec 13 00:46:40 UTC 2024: **USDA Mandates Nationwide Milk Testing for Bird Flu Amidst Growing Concerns**
**Washington, D.C.** – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a nationwide testing program for bird flu (H5N1) in the national milk supply, effective December 16th. The order, prompted by a surge in bird flu cases among dairy cows in 15 states affecting 718 herds, aims to swiftly identify infected herds and curb the virus’s spread.
The initial phase will focus on six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. All entities handling raw milk, including transporters and processors, are required to provide samples to the USDA upon request. Dairy herd owners with positive cases must also provide relevant information for surveillance. This expands upon an April order requiring testing of dairy cows shipped across state lines.
The move comes as the CDC confirms 58 human cases of bird flu in the U.S., mostly linked to contact with infected poultry or cattle. While symptoms have been generally mild, the CDC notes some cases may be asymptomatic, urging those exposed to get tested. Arizona reported its first two human cases on Friday.
Recent concerns stem from a study published in *Science* suggesting a single mutation could make the current strain easily transmissible between humans, potentially sparking a pandemic. The rise in raw milk consumption, despite CDC warnings about potential bird flu transmission, further fuels these concerns. A recent recall of raw milk in California after bird flu detection underscores the immediate need for action. While commercial pasteurization inactivates the virus, the USDA’s new testing mandate seeks to proactively address the risk.
First Piper 