In a bold step to control the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, the USDA has published a federal order to test the nation’s milk supply. This happened after the discovery of the virus in dairy cattle earlier this year, with the USDA’s new National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) starting on December 16, 2024.
The initiative aims to reveal how the virus is increasing in the U.S. milk supply and avoid further outbreaks. This move is not just an instant response to the emergency, but also part of a long-term tactic to protect dairy herds, farmworkers, and public health.
USDA’s new testing strategy aims to limit bird flu spread in the milk supply
On December 6, 2024, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revealed the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), a new approach to monitor and control the spread of bird flu across the U.S.
This strategy concentrates on raw milk and is pushed by rising concerns that HPAI could be spreading via milk transport and milking equipment or through contact with infected rodents. The first round of testing will start December 16, 2024, aspiring to identify influenced dairy herds nationwide. This initiative is a straight response to the speedy spread of the disease since its detection in March 2024.
The USDA’s goal is to identify affected herds and prevent further outbreaks
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the earnestness of the strategy, affirming that the new testing processes provide a sharper picture of the virus’s movement and build farmers' confidence in the herds' safety.
Vilsack clarified that compulsory milk testing would make it simpler to identify specific areas or herds affected by H5N1 and put measures in place to control its spread. With over 700 dairy farms already affected, the federal order aims to protect the animals and the food supply from further harm.
The bird flu outbreak’s impact on the dairy industry and public health raises concern
The bird flu outbreak has already impacted the U.S. food supply, particularly in the dairy and poultry sectors. Over 111 million birds have been affected countrywide, contributing to an upsurge in egg prices and food shortages.
The dairy industry, initially unaware of how the virus spread to cows, now faces added pressure from the USDA's mandate. The obligatory testing of raw milk could expose a greater public health risk. This act comes as a response to incidents such as the bird flu being spotted in a batch of raw milk in California, which led to a recall from Raw Farm, LLC.
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The USDA's nationwide testing of the milk supply is an analytical step in restraining the increase of bird flu and certifying the safety of the nation’s dairy products. While the condition is adaptable, the mandatory testing strategy marks a vital shift in the country’s approach to managing animal diseases.
It is a reminder that the spread of diseases such as HPAI affects animals as well as has a widespread impact on public health and the economy. The coming weeks will be key in determining the effectiveness of this new strategy, and the USDA is laying the groundwork for continued cooperation with local authorities and the farming community.
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