USDA Rolls Out Mandatory Raw Milk Testing Amid Rising H5N1 Bird Flu Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking decisive action in response to the ongoing spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among dairy cattle, announcing new federal rules that will require testing of unpasteurized milk nationwide. This significant move, revealed on Friday, comes nearly a year after the virus started circulating in dairy herds, underscoring urgent concerns regarding both animal and human health risks. Under the updated protocol, testing will target samples of raw milk collected from large storage tanks at dairy processing facilities. This shift marks a move away from previously suggested voluntary guidelines, which many dairy operations failed to follow, leaving regulators with insufficient data to assess the outbreak's extent. Farmers and dairy processors will now be mandated to provide raw milk samples upon government request. Additionally, those with infected cattle will be required to supply detailed information to assist authorities in identifying and managing further cases. The first round of testing is set to commence the week of December 16, a timeline that has been pushed back since the initial proposal was made in October. Experts have expressed increasing frustration over the lack of comprehensive testing during the outbreak, with virologist Seema Lakdawala emphasizing the necessity of understanding the virus's spread among cattle. Opinions from public health experts, including Jennifer Nuzzo, highlight that bulk milk testing is crucial for detecting outbreaks on farms, thereby protecting farm workers from potential exposure. The presence of H5N1 can be particularly concerning in raw milk, as the virus can replicate in the udders of infected cows, resulting in milk with significantly high viral concentrations. While no illnesses have been directly linked to the consumption of pasteurized milk, the situation has raised alarms particularly in California, where the virus was detected in certain raw milk products, prompting recalls and production halts. The USDA's new strategy aims to regain control over the situation, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack affirming the need for improved safety for farmers and farmworkers. The agency's recent initiatives underscore a broader commitment to combat the virus's spread and safeguard public health. Currently, H5N1 has been confirmed in 720 herds across 15 states, a number experts believe is an underestimate due to the absence of mandatory testing protocols. Moreover, at least 58 individuals, primarily farm workers, have been infected with the virus. The USDA's last major action came in April, when it mandated flu testing for lactating dairy cows prior to interstate transport. The forthcoming program will initially focus on six states—California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—with hopes to expand testing efforts to additional states as the situation evolves. As the USDA gears up for this extensive testing initiative, uncertainties loom regarding the future of the program under the incoming Trump administration. Experts are hopeful that the federal commitment to monitoring and controlling H5N1 will be sustained, particularly amid calls for broader testing in states where the virus has yet to be reported. The development of this testing protocol is a critical step toward addressing an outbreak that poses risks not only to livestock but also to the agricultural workforce and consumers. As the USDA prepares to roll out these new regulations, vigilance and swift action will be paramount in mitigating the spread of H5N1 and ensuring the safety of the U.S. milk supply.