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USDA Introduces Enhanced Testing Protocol for Avian Influenza in Dairy Products


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new National Milk Testing Strategy in response to the detection and spread of bird flu in the nation’s milk supply. The strategy involves mandatory testing of raw, unpasteurized milk, as well as the sharing of raw milk samples from dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, and processing facilities. The federal order also requires herd owners with cattle testing positive for the virus to provide epidemiological information to help trace the disease, and for positive test results to be reported to the USDA.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of collaborating with federal, state, and industry partners to protect dairy herds from the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The virus was first detected in dairy cattle in March and has since spread through multiple states. While pasteurization can kill the virus in milk, raw milk can spread it.

The National Milk Testing Strategy will involve six stages to test dairy cattle and milk in each state to detect and control the further spread of bird flu. The state of Mississippi will be among the first to implement this new testing regime. Previously, the Arkansas Times highlighted the risks of bird flu spreading through raw milk in Arkansas, particularly in light of efforts to deregulate access to the product.

For more information on the National Milk Testing Strategy and its implementation, please refer to the detailed stages outlined in the press release issued by the USDA.

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Photo credit arktimes.com

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