The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a nationwide program to detect highly pathogenic bird flu in the country’s milk supply. Starting this week, milk samples from processing plants are being tested to curb the outbreak that’s affecting dairy cattle and posing potential risks to humans.
How the Testing Works
Under the new protocol, milk destined for pasteurization will be sampled from storage tanks at dairy processing plants. These tanks often combine milk from tens of thousands of cows across multiple farms, offering a broad view of potential infections.
While some public health experts argue the testing isn’t comprehensive enough, Ted McKinney of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says it’s a crucial step forward:
“It’s not every single farm’s milk tank, but it’s the next best thing. This starts providing vital surveillance data.”
If a sample tests positive for bird flu, it will trigger an investigation at the farm level to identify and isolate the source of infection. The program is initially launching in six states but is expected to expand nationwide.
Why Now?
The bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle has been escalating, with nearly 850 herds infected across 16 states. California, in particular, has reported over 300 new cases in the last month alone.
The outbreak began when the virus jumped from wild birds to dairy cows in Texas last year. The infection has since spread through cattle movement between farms. McKinney notes that state veterinarians have been pushing for broader testing for months, and the program’s timing reflects the growing urgency.
Human Impact and Risks
The outbreak isn’t confined to livestock. The CDC has confirmed 60 cases of bird flu in humans since April, mostly among farm workers. Mild symptoms like flu-like illness and eye infections have been common, though some cases appear to have gone undetected.
A CDC study revealed that 7% of tested farm workers had antibodies for bird flu, suggesting undiagnosed recovery. According to Seema Lakdawala, a flu transmission expert at Emory University:
“Every time the virus infects humans, it risks adapting and gaining the ability to spread between people.”
Public Health Concerns
The current bird flu strain, while transmissible to humans, hasn’t shown significant human-to-human spread or caused severe illness. The CDC maintains that the general public’s infection risk is low.
However, a study from the Scripps Research Institute warns that a single mutation could make the virus more infectious to humans. Although the situation isn’t a pandemic, experts remain cautious about its potential to evolve.
This new USDA testing initiative underscores the importance of proactive surveillance in managing bird flu outbreaks. Stay informed on the latest developments in public health and agriculture.
Source: NPR
Leave a comment