April 30, 2024

 

US implements stricter bird flu testing for dairy cattle amid concerns of widespread outbreak

Amid growing concerns about the spread of bird flu among livestock, the US announced plans to intensify testing in dairy cattle, signalling a proactive approach to mitigate risks associated with the virus, Axios reported.

 

While health officials said that the risk to humans remains low, there are indications that the outbreak may be more widespread among cattle than previously realized.

 

The Biden administration's decision mandates that all dairy cows must test negative for bird flu before they can be transported across state lines. Positive test results will trigger further investigation and reporting to a national network of labs dedicated to tracking animal diseases.

 

According to Mike Watson, administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the virus has been detected spreading among cattle within the same herd, between different dairy operations when cows are transferred between them, and from cows to poultry. Notably, some infected cows have shown no symptoms.

 

Watson underscored the importance of the federal order in enhancing the Department of Agriculture's ability to gather critical information as the situation evolves.

 

Bird flu cases have been identified in dairy herds across nine states: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and South Dakota.

 

The announcement follows a recent revelation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that trace amounts of bird flu were found in pasteurised milk samples from grocery store shelves. Despite this, FDA officials reassured the public that the commercial milk supply remains safe.

 

Don Prater, acting director of the FDA's Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, emphasised the effectiveness of pasteurisation in neutralizing pathogens, including the H5N1 bird flu virus.

 

While health experts acknowledge the efficacy of pasteurisation and the diversion of milk from sick cows to safeguard the milk supply, concerns persist about the lack of detailed information regarding the outbreak's scope and origin.

 

Recent genetic data suggests that bird flu may have begun spreading among dairy cattle several months before it was officially reported in late March.

 

-      Axios