State health department reports and USDA data

USDA Orders Nationwide Raw Milk Testing for Bird Flu After Virus Found in Cattle in 15 States

Dec 6, 2024, 08:09 PM

On December 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new federal order requiring raw, unpasteurized milk samples nationwide to be collected and tested for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1. The testing aims to monitor and address the spread of the virus among dairy cattle, following outbreaks that began in March 2024. The virus has been found in cattle in 15 states, including California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, which together house nearly half of U.S. dairy cows. The order mandates that dairy farms and processors provide raw milk samples upon request, starting December 16. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the measures are necessary to swiftly identify affected herds and prevent further transmission. The national milk testing strategy is intended to comprehensively monitor the nation’s milk supply and protect farms, farmworkers, and communities from H5N1.