Federal government mandates bird flu testing of milk supply

The United States issued a federal order Friday, requiring the nation's milk supply to be tested for avian flu, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters, as authorities seek to combat the rapid spread of the virus among dairy herds.

Avian flu has infected more than 500 dairy herds in best dairy state in californiaand more than 700 nationwide since March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising concerns about the impact on farmers and milk supplies as well as the risk to human health from further spread continues.

Nearly 60 people have contracted the virus since April, most of them workers at infected poultry and dairy farms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms have been mild and CDC officials have said the risk of bird flu to the general public is low.

The USDA first announced it would begin national milk testing in October after pressure from industry and veterinary groups for stronger surveillance of the virus, but had not detailed the extent of the program or how it would be implemented.

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The testing plan, which will involve collecting monthly or weekly samples from bulk milk tanks and dairy processors, will first be rolled out in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Oregon, Vilsack said.

The latter three states have not reported avian flu infections in dairy cattle.

“This gives us the opportunity to potentially learn about a potential new virus in areas of a state where the virus is currently present, or in new states,” Vilsack said of the testing.

The agency will begin testing Dec. 16, Vilsack said.

FILE PHOTO: A test tube is labeled “Bird Flu” in front of the American flag in this illustration taken June 10, 2024. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File photo/Reuters Photos)

The pace of testing will depend on whether the virus is detected during initial sampling, said Rosemary Sifford, USDA chief veterinarian.

The order requires farms and processors to make raw milk available for sampling, and farm owners whose animals test positive for the virus must notify the agency of animal movements and other information.

The USDA currently only requires testing of lactating dairy cattle that cross state lines, a requirement outlined in its only other federal avian flu order issued in April.

Both federal orders will remain in effect indefinitely, Vilsack said, adding that the testing plan was developed with industry groups, state officials and veterinarians.

California this week issued a recall of milk and cream products made by raw milk company Raw Farm after bird flu was detected in its retail products and bulk milk.

The Food and Drug Administration advises against consuming raw milk because it may contain pathogens, including avian flu, but says pasteurized dairy products are safe because the pasteurization process kills these pathogens.

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The state has about 1,100 dairies, according to the California Milk Advisory Councilmeaning almost half were infected with bird flu.