Federal Action and Strategy
The (USDA) has initiated a "National Milk Testing Strategy" requiring raw milk samples from dairy farms and processors to be tested for H5N1 bird flu, aiming to track and mitigate the virus's spread.
This federal order, effective from December 16, mandates entities handling milk for pasteurization to provide samples upon request and requires reporting of positive tests to the USDA.
Health Implications and Industry Response
Health officials emphasize the low risk to the public from bird flu, noting pasteurization makes milk safe. However, the strategy aims to enhance safety for farmworkers and control the virus's spread.
Despite concerns about economic repercussions, the dairy industry supports the USDA's efforts to eliminate the virus, with testing already underway in states affected by H5N1 outbreaks.