USDA Announces New Nationwide Testing of Raw Milk for Bird Flu Amid Recent Outbreaks

Dec 6, 2024, 06:24 PM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday a federal order mandating that raw milk samples nationwide be tested for bird flu (avian influenza H5N1). In response to recent outbreaks of the virus in dairy herds, the USDA's new national milk testing strategy involves collecting and testing raw (unpasteurized) milk samples to monitor the presence of the bird flu virus in the national milk supply. This measure aims to address and mitigate potential impacts of the virus on livestock and public health.