Bird Flu Spreads in Cattle: Gaps in US Surveillance Testing
Three Major Milk-Producing States Not Participating in Federal Testing Program
Three of America’s top milk-producing states aren’t participating in the federal surveillance testing for bird flu, despite the recent outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) started a voluntary milk-testing program in December, after the virus was found to have jumped to cattle in March 2024.
Risk to Humans Remains Low, but Experts Argue for Nationwide Testing
While the risk to humans remains low, many public and animal health experts argue that broad, nationwide testing of milk is critical to containing virus cases that might otherwise go undetected, giving the variants more opportunities to spread to animals and humans.
Dr. K. Fred Gingrich II: “It’s Incredibly Difficult to Control a Disease of National Importance Unless We Have a Robust Surveillance System in Place”
Dr. K. Fred Gingrich II, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, which represents cow veterinarians, emphasized the importance of a robust surveillance system in place to control the disease.
Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho Not Participating in Testing Program
Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho, three of the country’s top five milk-producing states, aren’t participating in the voluntary federal testing program. While there are efforts underway to get them on board, it’s unclear when they will join, or how long it will take.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner: “It’s Not a Big Deal if You Measure by How Many Herds Are Affected”
Texas had the first known case of bird flu in cattle, the first person believed to be infected by a mammal, and a case in dairy cattle as recently as December. However, the state’s agriculture commissioner, Sid Miller, said surveillance milk testing was unnecessary, since there are currently no active cases of bird flu in the state’s commercial cattle or poultry.
New Strain Detected in Nevada Through Federal Milk-Testing Program
Just last week, the USDA announced it had discovered a new strain in cattle, caught in Nevada through the federal milk-testing program. The detection “is a testament to the strength of our National Milk Testing Strategy,” the USDA said in a statement to NBC News.
Conclusion
The bird flu outbreak in the U.S. has decimated poultry farms nationwide, killing tens of millions of birds and driving up the price of eggs. While the risk to humans remains low, public and animal health experts argue that broad, nationwide testing of milk is critical to containing virus cases that might otherwise go undetected.
FAQs
Q: Why is the risk to humans from bird flu low?
A: The risk to humans from bird flu is low because the virus is primarily transmitted through close or prolonged contact with infected animals.
Q: Why is milk testing important in containing the spread of bird flu?
A: Milk testing is important in containing the spread of bird flu because it allows for early detection of the virus, which can help farmers take steps to contain the outbreak and protect human health.
Q: How many states are participating in the USDA’s milk-testing program?
A: As of last month, nearly 40 states have joined the program, with the USDA aiming to enroll all 48 continental states.
Q: What is the purpose of the National Milk Testing Strategy?
A: The National Milk Testing Strategy aims to detect and contain cases of bird flu in cattle, reducing the risk of transmission to humans and animals.
