They are taking action against bird flu.
Due to an increase in bird flu virus detections in raw milk in California, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday that it will implement nationwide testing for the virus in milk. This move follows earlier measures taken by federal and state agencies since the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024.
The USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) will require any entities that handle pre-pasteurized raw milk, including milk processors and transporters, to submit samples for testing upon request by USDA staff. The goal is to efficiently identify infected herds and prevent further spread of the virus. As of Thursday, there have been reports of 718 infected cattle herds across the country.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized that the new testing program would help ensure the safety of animals and farmworkers, while aiding in the control of the virus. The initiative follows a recent recall expansion by Raw Farm LLC, a dairy farm in California, which voluntarily recalled all its raw milk and cream products after state health officials detected the virus in more milk samples.
In response to the outbreak, California health authorities quarantined the farm and urged consumers to avoid consuming any Raw Farm products, including raw milk, cream, cheese, and pet food. Although no human cases of bird flu linked to raw milk consumption have been reported, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advised caution. Pasteurized milk, in contrast, is safe as it is treated to kill any viruses.
The bird flu virus has been spreading across the U.S. since it was first detected in dairy cows in March. California, in particular, has been hit hard, with nearly 500 of the over 700 infected herds located there. While bird flu has infected 58 people this year, including 31 in California, the CDC reports that there have been no confirmed cases of the virus spreading from person to person. Raw Farm has stated that while it is cooperating with regulatory agencies, it maintains that there are no safety issues with its products. The issue, it claims, is politically motivated.
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