By Blake Jackson
The dairy industry is actively monitoring and responding to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. Organizations like the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) are working closely with federal agencies to implement measures to protect dairy herds.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently completed a six-week study involving the testing of raw milk samples from dairy processing facilities across several states.
The goal of this study was to gather data on potential H5N1 contamination in milk. While one positive sample was detected, the overall risk to human health remains low.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to initiate its own monitoring program after the FDA study concludes. This ongoing program will involve periodic testing of raw milk samples at processing plants. Positive results will trigger further investigation and potential actions by state animal health officials.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, have implemented their own mandatory milk testing programs to enhance early detection and prevention of H5N1 spread.
Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture has mandated testing of milk from all dairy farms in the state. Milk samples are collected from tanker trucks every 14 days and tested at Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System labs.
This proactive approach aims to identify potential outbreaks early on and implement appropriate biosecurity measures to protect dairy herds.
While the risk of H5N1 transmission to dairy cattle remains low, the dairy industry is taking proactive steps to safeguard its herds and ensure the continued supply of safe and wholesome milk.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Dairy Cattle