By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded its milk testing program to include more states in an effort to combat bird flu, also known as H5N1. Indiana and Ohio are among the latest states to join the program, alongside others like California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These additions bring the total to eight of the top 15 dairy-producing states now testing unpasteurized milk for the virus.
California’s recent declaration of a state of emergency due to bird flu infections in dairy cattle underscores the urgency of this initiative. This year alone, 865 dairy herds across 16 states have tested positive for the virus.
Denise Derrer Spears, spokesperson for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, emphasized the importance of widespread testing. “All the states need to participate in some testing program to understand where the virus is and its extent,” she said.
The USDA’s five-point plan involves bulk milk testing at processing plants and silos, which handle milk from numerous farms. This approach ensures large-scale monitoring through a single test. If a non-negative result is found, further investigation will identify the source of infection.
The program is designed to contain and eliminate bird flu from the national dairy herd. Although pasteurized milk is safe for consumption, the USDA and CDC warn against drinking raw milk, which could carry the virus.
Experts are concerned about the potential for bird flu to spread to humans. While human infections remain rare, there have been 37 cases linked to dairy cattle this year, primarily in California. A recent unrelated severe case in Louisiana has raised awareness of the virus’s risks.
The CDC maintains that the public risk remains low but stresses the importance of monitoring and testing to prevent further spread. With the expanded testing, the USDA aims to protect both the dairy industry and public health.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle