By Andi Anderson
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has emerged as a key player in coordinating the dairy industry's response to the evolving threat of the H5N1 virus among dairy cows. Throughout April, NMPF took decisive action to advocate for farmers before the federal government and to reassure consumers about the safety of milk.
Utilizing resources such as the National Dairy FARM Program, NMPF played a crucial role in disseminating best practices and communication efforts to farmers and consumers alike. Their expertise became invaluable as the dairy industry, alongside federal agencies and dairy buyers, grappled with a landscape that shifted significantly over the course of several weeks.
Central to NMPF's efforts was a clear understanding of the challenges posed by the virus and its implications. NMPF President and CEO, Gregg Doud, emphasized that while H5N1 in dairy cattle remains primarily an animal health concern, scientific evidence, including from USDA and FDA, has consistently affirmed the safety of the consumer milk supply due to the virus being rendered inactive through pasteurization.
As the situation evolved, NMPF's Chief Science Officer, Jamie Jonker, served as a trusted source of public information, engaging with various media outlets to address dairy-farmer actions and concerns. Additionally, NMPF organized educational webinars, convened committees, and provided real-time updates to its members to ensure they remained informed amidst the rapidly changing circumstances.
The impact of NMPF's efforts was evident, with their HPAI resources page becoming the most-visited page on their website in April. While recent regulatory measures and FDA tests demonstrating pasteurization's effectiveness in eliminating the H5N1 virus in milk have helped allay consumer concerns, the threat of HPAI in the dairy sector persists, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration within the industry.
Photo Credit: National Milk Producers Federation
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy