The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an expansion of its efforts to track the spread of the H5N1 bird flu by beginning testing of raw milk samples from dairy silos nationwide. This initiative aims to monitor the virus, which has been affecting cattle since March.The move comes after the California Department of Food and Agriculture halted the distribution of Raw Farm’s raw milk products following the detection of bird flu in milk samples. As per the sources of Leaders, infectious disease experts have long advocated for more comprehensive testing, arguing that a better understanding of the virus’s spread is essential to controlling the outbreak. Initially, dairy farmers were resistant to widespread testing, fearing the financial impact of quarantining their herds.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of this expanded testing, saying it would enhance farmers’ confidence in the safety of their animals while providing a clearer path to control the virus.According to the reports of Leaders sources, under the new USDA order, raw milk samples must be shared, upon request, by dairy farms, bulk milk shippers, milk transfer stations, or dairy processing facilities. If milk tests positive for the virus, it won’t be discarded but will instead be sent for pasteurization, which eliminates the virus. The USDA plans to use the results to target further testing at affected farms and ensure proper disease surveillance.Additionally, herd owners of cattle that test positive for bird flu must provide information for contact tracing. Labs and veterinarians who detect the virus must report it to the USDA. The USDA will begin testing milk stored in silos at dairy processing facilities nationwide, with further bulk tank testing at farms based on these results.The first round of testing will begin the week of December 16, with six states included: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. While California, Colorado, and Michigan have already reported infected herds, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have not, making the testing in these states crucial for understanding whether the virus has spread undetected.The USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, first introduced in October, marks a significant step in controlling the virus’s spread. Pasteurization, which heats milk to kill harmful pathogens, is an effective method for neutralizing the H5N1 virus, even if it’s present in raw milk. Although nearly all milk sold in the U.S. is pasteurized, health officials have long warned against consuming raw milk, as it can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, including the bird flu virus.In California, Raw Farm’s raw milk products were recently recalled, and product distribution was suspended after the discovery of bird flu in milk samples from store shelves and dairy storage sites. No illnesses have been linked to the affected milk.
