The U.S. government on Friday ordered the nation's milk supply to be tested for avian influenza to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows.
The Department of Agriculture said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processed products across the country must be tested upon request starting Dec. 16.
Trials will begin in six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
Officials said the measures were aimed at “containing and ultimately eliminating” the virus, known as H5N1 type A, which was first detected in U.S. dairy cows in March.
Since then, more than 700 herd cases have been confirmed in 15 states.
“This will give farms and farm workers more confidence in the safety of their animals and their ability to protect themselves, helping quickly control and stop the spread of the virus across the country,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. We can move forward on that path.”
Health officials say the risk to people from bird flu remains low. Pasteurization, or heat treatment, kills viruses in milk and makes it safe to drink.
Veterinarians, farmers, scientists and academics have been calling for nationwide milk testing in recent months, said Keith Paulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, who led the effort.
“This is another step in the right direction,” Paulsen said. “They’re coming to us saying we need to do better.”
Dairy farmers and processors across the United States are reluctant to test their animals or milk for the virus, fearing financial or other repercussions.
Jamie Jonker, chief scientific officer for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the industry supports USDA's efforts to eliminate the virus.
Under a federal order, dairy farmers and businesses that process raw milk for pasteurization must provide samples of milk for avian influenza testing upon request.
Positive tests must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and herd owners must be provided with basic information to enable tracing of the disease in their cattle.
The move follows an April 24 federal order that requires certain dairy cows to be tested before being moved between states and to report any positive tests.
Despite this order, the virus continues to spread, Paulsen noted.
Tests have shown that raw milk from infected cows contains large amounts of live virus.
At least 58 people in the United States have been infected with bird flu, most of them farm workers who developed mild symptoms after close contact with infected cows or poultry, including milk.
Avian influenza has also spread to wild birds and many other animals.
Federal officials continue to warn against drinking raw milk, which can contain numerous bacteria that can make people sick.
In California, authorities quarantined farms and stopped milk distribution after avian influenza virus was detected in raw milk sold in stores.
Fresno Law Farms has announced a voluntary recall of raw milk and cream produced after November 9th.
