The US Department of Agriculture has announced a new strategy to test the milk supply as Avian influenza continues to be found among dairy cattle herds. Since March, 750 dairy cattle herds have tested positive for HPAI in 15 different states, with the most recent confirmed case found yesterday in California.
To combat the outbreak, the USDA is implementing three new requirements: sharing raw milk samples upon request from affected farms or facilities, providing epidemiological information from herd owners to aid contact tracing and disease surveillance, and reporting positive results to the USDA.
The testing strategy aims to protect the safety of commercial pasteurized milk supply. Once testing begins, each state will be placed into one of five stages based on HPAI prevalence. The plan includes nationwide testing at dairy processing facilities, testing of bulk tanks, biosecurity enhancements on farms, and regular monitoring for the disease.
The USDA hopes this strategy can prevent farmers and farmworkers from contracting the virus. Informational sessions for state animal health officials and state dairy regulators will be hosted starting next week to discuss mitigation efforts and ensure a safe milk supply.
Source: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2024/12/06/usda-announces-national-milk-testing-strategy-to-identify-avian-influenza–