FOX News Senior Correspondent Jonathan Selley speaks with medical and agricultural experts about lactose and avian influenza testing in dairy cows.
The United States is federal order Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters on Friday that milk supplies nationwide will be required to be tested for avian influenza, as officials try to combat the rapid spread of the virus among dairy farmers.
Bird flu infected more than 500 dairy herds top milk state californiaThere have been more than 700 outbreaks across the country since March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising concerns about the impact on farmers and milk supplies and the risks to human health from the ongoing spread.
Nearly 60 people have contracted the virus since April, most of them workers at infected poultry and dairy farms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms are mild, and CDC officials say the risk of contracting bird flu to the general public is low.
In response to calls from industry and veterinary groups for increased virus surveillance, the USDA announced it would begin its first national milk testing program in October, but did not provide details on the scope of the program or how it would be implemented. There wasn't.
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Vilsack said the testing plan, which involves collecting monthly or weekly samples from bulk milk tanks and dairy processors, will initially be rolled out in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Oregon.
No avian influenza infections in dairy cows have been reported in the latter three states.
Vilsack said the testing “gives us an opportunity to learn in advance about the potential for new viruses in states where the virus is currently occurring and in areas of new states.”
Vilsack said the agency plans to begin testing on Dec. 16.
File photo: In this illustration taken on June 10, 2024, a test tube labeled “Bird Flu” is seen in front of a U.S. flag. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/Reuters Photo)
Rosemary Sifford, the USDA's chief veterinarian, said the pace of testing will depend on whether the virus is detected in initial sampling.
The order also requires farms and processors to make raw milk available for sampling, and requires farm owners with animals that test positive for the virus to receive information on animal movements and other information. They are required to inform government agencies.
The USDA currently only requires testing of lactating dairy cows traveling across state lines, a requirement set out in the only federal avian influenza order issued in April.
Both federal orders remain in effect indefinitely, Vilsack said, adding that the testing plan was developed in collaboration with industry groups, state officials and veterinarians.
The state of California this week announced a recall of milk and cream products made by Raw Farms after avian influenza was detected in its retail products and bulk milk.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends against consuming raw milk because it may contain pathogens such as avian influenza, but pasteurized dairy products are safe because the pasteurization process kills pathogens. It states that.
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According to the state, there are approximately 1,100 dairy farms. California Milk Advisory BoardThis means that nearly half of them are infected with avian influenza.
