“The U.S.government on Friday ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu,” reports the Associated Press, “to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows.”
Raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms adn processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16, the Agriculture Department said. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
Officials said the move is aimed at “containing and ultimately eliminating the virus,” known as Type A H5N1, which was detected for the first time in March in U.S. dairy cows. As then, more than 700 herds have been confirmed to be infected in 15 states. “This will give farms and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.
The risk to people from bird flu remains low, health officials said. Pasteurization, or heat treatment, kills the virus in milk, leaving it safe to drink. At least 58 people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu, mostly farm workers who became mildly ill after close contact with infected cows, including their milk, or infected poultry.
How does pasteurization ensure the safety of milk during an avian influenza outbreak?
interview with Dr. Jane Thompson, Avian Influenza Expert
Q: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson. The recent order from the U.S. government mandating testing of the milk supply for bird flu is quite notable. Could you explain why this is happening now?
A: Absolutely, thank you for having me. The decision to test the nation’s milk supply for bird flu, specifically the Type A H5N1 strain, comes in response to the detection of this virus in dairy cows for the first time earlier this year. With over 700 herds confirmed infected across 15 states, state and federal officials recognize the urgent need to monitor and contain its spread to protect both livestock and public health.
Q: What are the implications of this testing for the dairy industry?
A: The implications are quite profound. For dairy farmers, this testing offers a way to ensure the safety and health of their animals, which is crucial for their livelihoods.By confirming the absence of the virus in milk, it also helps maintain consumer confidence in dairy products. Though, this will require adjustments in operations and logistics from farms in states like California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, where testing will start.
Q: Health officials mentioned that the risk to the general public remains low. can you elaborate on that?
A: Yes, the risk to the public is primarily low due to the processes used in dairy production. Pasteurization effectively kills the H5N1 virus, making pasteurized milk safe to drink. The few human infections reported, mostly among farm workers, demonstrate the importance of adhering to safety protocols. close contact with infected animals or their fluids poses a risk, but the broader public remains largely insulated from any direct exposure.
Q: What practical advice woudl you give to consumers regarding their milk consumption during this time?
A: I would advise consumers to continue purchasing pasteurized milk without concern.The testing initiative will work to ensure that safe products remain available on the market. Additionally, consumers should remain informed about the origins of their dairy products and confident in the established safety standards that regulate them.
Q: what are the broader lessons that the agricultural sector can take from this situation?
A: This serves as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of animal health and public safety. The agricultural sector must prioritize monitoring and swift response systems to emerging animal health threats, emphasizing biosecurity measures. By investing in preventive measures, not just reactive testing, the industry can better safeguard against such outbreaks in the future. Close collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and public health officials will be key.
Q: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. It’s clear that addressing the bird flu in dairy cows is part of a larger strategy to protect both the agriculture industry and public health.
A: Thank you for discussing this vital issue. Awareness and proactive measures are essential as we navigate these challenges.