The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed allowing farmers to bulk test the milk of their dairy cows for bird flu, rather than having to test milk from individual cows, before gaining approval to ship them across state lines. This proposal comes as the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus to cattle and dairy workers has raised concerns about the threat of a potential pandemic.
Since late March, the USDA has been requiring lactating cows to test negative for the bird flu virus before being shipped across state lines. This order has likely helped prevent the spread of the virus to new states, according to the agency.
However, the USDA is now proposing a pilot program for bulk milk testing that could begin as soon as June. Under this program, farmers who choose to participate would need to have three consecutive weeks of negative test results from their bulk milk storage tanks before their herds are considered free of the bird flu virus. After that, they would only need to submit weekly milk samples to maintain their status and avoid additional testing before shipping cattle between states.
The proposed program has been reviewed by agriculture officials in six states, who say they are still evaluating the details. The USDA has not yet provided the final implementation plan, according to state officials.
While the bulk milk testing program could help reduce the threat of H5N1 in dairy herds and further protect the nation’s commercial milk supply, some experts have expressed concerns about the program’s ability to accurately detect the presence of the virus. Veterinary consultant Gail Hansen noted that samples from healthy cows could dilute samples from a small number of infected cattle in the same herd, potentially giving a false sense of assurance.
State officials also have questions about how the information gathered through the program will be used and the potential market implications for farmers. Indiana’s state veterinarian, Bret Marsh, is concerned that any positive findings in the state could subject Hoosier producers to increased restrictions from other states.
The USDA’s proposal is intended to assist with disease control in cattle while minimizing economic damage to the farm sector. However, the program’s effectiveness and potential consequences will need to be carefully evaluated before it is implemented.