Bird Flu Concerns Rise in the U.S. with Dozens of Human Cases
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented a new federal order requiring nationwide testing of raw, unpasteurized milk samples in response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak. This move is part of the department's "National Milk Testing Strategy," which aims to control and stop the spread of the virus.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) has been spreading rapidly, particularly in California, where nearly 500 of the more than 700 infected U.S. herds have been detected. This has led to concerns about the possibility of human-to-human transmission, which could trigger a pandemic.
While no cases of bird flu virus have been confirmed in people who drank raw milk, health officials have long warned against consuming unpasteurized milk due to the risk of illness-causing bacteria. Pasteurized milk, which is heat-treated to kill the virus, remains safe to drink.
Sharing of raw milk samples upon request from any entity involved in dairy farming or milk processing.
Herd owners with infected cattle must provide epidemiological information for contact tracing and disease surveillance.
Private laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive test results to the USDA.
This strategy aims to give farmers and farmworkers confidence in the safety of their animals and protect them from the virus. It also seeks to quickly control and stop the virus' spread nationwide.
In addition to the new milk testing strategy, the USDA has also been requiring the dairy industry to test milk-producing cows for HPAI H5N1 infections before they are moved between states since April. These measures are crucial in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting public health.