USDA Weakens Bird Flu Emergency Order

By Leah Douglas and Tom Polansek
(Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) weakened an emergency order last spring aimed at preventing bird flu spread among dairy cattle after pushback from state and industry officials, according to records seen by Reuters.

The previously unreported communications show that industry interests reluctant to comply with stringent regulations shaped the early federal response to the U.S. bird flu outbreak, potentially contributing to disease transmission across state lines.

Initial Federal Order

The USDA's order, released in April after bird flu cases emerged in cows across eight states, mandated that milk-producing dairy cattle crossing state lines secure a negative bird flu test within seven days of travel. It also allowed non-producing cattle headed to slaughter to cross state lines without a veterinarian's approval.

Initially, the USDA considered stricter requirements, including a three-day testing window, but loosened guidelines in response to industry feedback.

Veterinarians and dairy industry representatives suggested that relaxing the order might have allowed for more virus spread due to logistical constraints in testing animals quickly. When the order was issued, 33 herds had tested positive, and the outbreak has since expanded to over 330 herds across 14 states, with human cases among dairy workers rising to 17.

Agency's Justification

A USDA spokesperson emphasized that changes to the Federal Order aimed to protect animal and public health by following scientific practices while balancing compliance and feasibility for producers. The agency conducted over 16,000 pre-movement tests and is investigating potential virus introductions in California.

Memo Insights

On April 24, USDA chief veterinarian Rosemary Sifford met with the Livestock Marketing Association. They argued a 72-hour testing window was unfeasible, suggesting a 7- to 14-day period instead. Consequently, the USDA allowed dairies seven days for testing in their guidance.

While veterinary documentation for cattle movement is deemed essential, it can be expensive for dairy operators, especially with slim profit margins. Alternative documentation for non-lactating cows was permitted to ease movement, raising concerns about increased virus spread risks.

A shortage of rural veterinarians further complicates the testing process, according to experts.

California's Investigations

California is looking into how the virus arrived in the state amidst rising infections among herds and dairy workers. Despite existing regulations, the farm sector pushed state officials to ward off proposed restrictions on cattle movement.

Some farmers have avoided testing altogether, citing no benefits for reporting and testing their cows.

"There's been no upside to a dairy producer to report and test," said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen's Association.