The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a federal order mandating the testing of the national milk supply for bird flu. This decision comes in response to the rapid spread of the virus among dairy herds, particularly in California, which has seen over 500 infected herds. Nationwide, more than 700 dairy herds have been affected since March.
The testing plan involves monthly or weekly sample collection from bulk milk tanks and dairy processors, starting in six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. The goal is to quickly identify and control the spread of the virus, ensuring the safety of both the milk supply and farmworkers.
Sources:
https://www.usda.gov/newsroom/releases/2024/bird-flu-testing-milk-supply
https://www.dairyreporter.com/Article/2024/12/06/USDA-announces-mandatory-bird-flu-testing-for-milk
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