The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will begin requiring federal bird flu testing in the nation’s milk supply. The move is aimed at enhancing food safety and reducing the risk of avian influenza transmission to humans through contaminated dairy products.
According to the USDA, the new testing protocol will apply to all milk producers and processors that supply milk to the nation’s dairy market. The testing will involve regular sampling of milk and dairy products for the presence of avian influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic H5 and H7 strains.
The decision to implement federal bird flu testing in the milk supply comes after several recent outbreaks of avian influenza in the country. In 2020, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in California, resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 birds. Similar outbreaks have also been reported in other states, including Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
While the risk of avian influenza transmission to humans through contaminated dairy products is considered low, the USDA is taking a precautionary approach to ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no reported cases of human illness associated with the consumption of dairy products contaminated with avian influenza viruses.
However, the CDC notes that the risk of transmission cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly in cases where dairy products are consumed raw or unpasteurized. To mitigate this risk, the USDA is requiring all milk producers and processors to implement enhanced biosecurity measures, including regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers handling milk and dairy products.
The new testing protocol will be implemented in phases, with large-scale milk producers and processors required to begin testing by the end of 2023. Smaller-scale producers and processors will have until 2025 to comply with the new regulations.
The USDA has also announced plans to provide financial assistance to milk producers and processors to help offset the costs of implementing the new testing protocol. According to the agency, the costs of testing and implementing enhanced biosecurity measures are expected to be significant, but necessary to ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply.
The dairy industry has generally welcomed the USDA’s decision to implement federal bird flu testing in the milk supply. According to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the testing protocol will provide an additional layer of protection for consumers and help to maintain confidence in the safety of the nation’s dairy products.
“The NMPF supports the USDA’s decision to implement federal bird flu testing in the milk supply,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the NMPF. “We believe that this testing protocol will provide an additional layer of protection for consumers and help to maintain confidence in the safety of the nation’s dairy products.”
The USDA’s decision to implement federal bird flu testing in the milk supply is the latest in a series of measures aimed at enhancing food safety and reducing the risk of avian influenza transmission to humans. In 2015, the agency implemented a national poultry surveillance program to monitor for the presence of avian influenza viruses in commercial poultry flocks.
The implementation of federal bird flu testing in the milk supply is expected to have significant implications for the dairy industry, including increased costs and logistical challenges. However, the USDA believes that the benefits of the testing protocol, including enhanced food safety and reduced risk of avian influenza transmission to humans, outweigh the costs.
