USDA to Test Bulk Raw Milk for Bird Flu

By Leah Douglas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin testing bulk raw milk nationwide for bird flu, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This significant expansion aims to combat the virus's rapid spread, responding to livestock and veterinary groups' calls for stronger surveillance due to inadequacies in current measures.

Starting in early November, the USDA will sample milk from states where dairy cattle have already contracted the virus and will test specific farms to track its spread. The agency will also extend testing to states without known dairy cow infections.

The decision follows alarming growth in California, where nearly 200 dairy herds have tested positive since late August. Vilsack noted the need for continual adjustments in response to evolving situations. This initiative builds on an emergency order from April requiring testing of cattle crossing state lines and a USDA program covering costs for voluntary testing. Despite previous resistance from dairy farmers about voluntary testing due to economic concerns, improved approaches are being sought.

Bird flu has affected nearly 400 dairy herds across 14 states and at least 36 individuals. Concerns also exist regarding possible mutations of the virus among people if co-infected with seasonal influenza, although the CDC states that current dangers to the general population remain low.

Veterinary and cattle associations have urged the USDA to implement a comprehensive national surveillance plan, arguing that current strategies, limited to lactating dairy cows, are insufficient. There have been calls for weekly testing of milk tankers and better coordination across livestock sectors.

As of now, only a small fraction of dairy herds are participating in the USDA's voluntary testing program, which further emphasizes the need for a stronger response. Additionally, around 17.6 million commercial poultry birds were culled due to positive tests for the bovine variant of the virus.

In summary, the USDA aims to improve surveillance and testing for bird flu in dairy herds across the country, addressing significant concerns from agricultural groups and aiming to halt the virus's spread.