Milk Meets Microscopes: USDA’s Mandatory Testing

It’s (bird) flu and cold season. And the U.S. is taking it seriously.

Cows in quarantine: You may remember when dairy herds were hit with a mysterious disease last spring, confusing farmers, scientists, and consumers. Once it was confirmed as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the conversations about protocols soared, and lactating cattle moving across state lines were either halted or tested for bird flu.  

Milk under the microscope: Now, the U.S. will also require milk to be tested for bird flu nationwide as part of the National Milk Testing Strategy. The USDA will be allowed to take samples of unpasteurized milk from all farms, transport trucks, and facilities to hopefully keep the virus from flying around more than it already has. If tests are positive, herd owners will provide epidemiological information to help with contact tracing.

Udderly defensive: The new rule will test regionally, then on individual farms until they’re free of the virus. Testing will roll out in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon and will take flight nationally Dec.16.

Ruffling feathers and immune systems: Bird flu has impacted poultry farms, dairy farms, and even people. More than 50 people have been infected (mostly those who work in poultry or dairy processing locations), but their symptoms have usually been mild.