Stay informed with LAist. If you are liking this piece, you will appreciate our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, get up to speed on the 5 most critical stories to kick off your morning in 3 minutes or less. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put forth a federal mandate that necessitates testing […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put forth a federal mandate that necessitates testing of the nation’s milk supply due to rising worries over avian influenza.
The flu virus has been causing concern since it was found in a Texas cow in March. Since that time, it has spread to over 710 dairy farms across 15 states, with California recording the most cases. At least 58 individuals have been afflicted by bird flu, which includes one child from the San Francisco Bay area.
The newly implemented federal mandate will empower regulators to collect samples from dairy farms or during transportation and processing of milk. Private laboratories will also be obliged to notify authorities of any positive findings. The testing initiative will begin in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
The USDA noted on Friday that the aim of the federal order is to “detect the presence of the disease, observe trends, and assist states in recognizing potentially at-risk herds.”
“Among various outcomes, this will enhance farmers’ and farmworkers’ assurance regarding the health of their animals and their capacity to safeguard themselves, and it will lead us toward rapidly managing and halting the virus’s transmission across the country,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack mentioned in an announcement.
Increasing evidence indicates that the virus may be circulating through dairy operations. Milk with elevated levels of the virus can readily transmit within the milking area; via rodents and other animals; or through humans carrying infectious substances on their clothing or equipment.
Earlier this week, health officials in California identified potential bird flu contamination in raw milk and cream products produced by the Raw Farm located in Fresno. Several of their items are currently under a recall, and the farm has been subjected to quarantine.
While the exact risks are not fully understood, experts warn that consuming contaminated milk might lead to infection. However, federal health officials confirm that pasteurized milk is safe for consumption.
The federal mandate will work alongside a previous order issued in April that required testing of lactating dairy animals before they were transported across state borders.
