The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new federal order for the testing of raw, unpasteurized milk. bird fluThe decision has been taken in response to a multistate avian influenza outbreak affecting dairy cows, the first example of the virus infiltrating the country’s dairy supply.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of this testing initiative, saying, “This new milk testing strategy will build on the steps taken so far and provide states a roadmap to protect the health of their dairy herds.” Vilsack said the program is aimed at increasing the confidence of farmers and farm workers in the safety of their livestock and themselves, while also putting the country on a path to rapidly controlling and stopping the spread of the virus.

The outbreak began in March, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first confirmed bird flu in dairy cows. Since then, the virus has affected about 720 herds in 15 states. California has been hardest hit, with more than 500 infected herds, followed by Colorado with 64 and Idaho with 35.

The outbreak of bird flu has also affected humans. As of December 6, the CDC reported 58 confirmed cases of avian influenza in seven states, with 32 cases in California alone. Of the California cases, 31 cases were linked to contact with dairy cows. Other states with reported cases include Michigan (2 cases), Colorado (1 case), and Texas (1 case). Additionally, 21 human cases resulted from contact with poultry, 11 of which were reported in Washington.

The new federal order orders dairy farms, bulk milk transporters, bulk milk transfer stations and processing facilities to provide raw milk samples upon request for H5N1 testing. Herd owners with confirmed infections must submit epidemiological information to facilitate contact tracing and disease surveillance. In addition, private laboratories and state veterinarians are required to report positive test results to the USDA.

The first phase of the milk testing initiative will begin the week of December 16 in six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The testing process involves five monitoring phases, starting with intensive monitoring and transitioning to periodic sampling after all herds in a state are deemed unaffected.

Despite the outbreak, Alan Bjerga, executive vice president of communications for the National Milk Producers Federation, said bird flu incidents in dairy cattle have not had a significant impact on milk production or prices. “The small number of infected herds compared to overall U.S. dairy production minimizes any disruption,” Bajraga said. USDA’s new testing strategy is not expected to change this dynamic.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.