Is your milk safe? USDA orders tests for deadly H5N1 in dairy cattle

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a National Milk Testing Strategy to address the growing concerns surrounding the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. This sweeping federal mandate will involve nationwide testing of raw milk to detect and prevent the spread of the virus among dairy herds. With its rollout beginning the week of December 16, 2024, this program represents a proactive step to safeguard farms, food supply chains, and the broader community.

According to the USDA, this initiative is essential for understanding and mitigating the virus’s presence in the dairy industry. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noted that the strategy builds upon existing biosecurity measures, aiming to swiftly identify affected regions and implement containment strategies. The agency has collaborated extensively with state officials and veterinary experts to shape this uniform testing protocol.

USDA intensifies milk surveillance to curb H5N1 spread

The USDA’s new Federal Order outlines strict requirements for milk testing and reporting. Raw milk samples from dairy farms, processing facilities, and transportation networks must now be submitted for testing. Herd owners with positive detections will also be required to provide epidemiological data to facilitate contact tracing and surveillance. Additionally, laboratories and state veterinarians are mandated to report all positive test results to the USDA, ensuring a centralised and transparent monitoring system.

This Federal Order complements an earlier directive issued in April 2024, which focused on testing lactating cows before interstate movement. Together, these measures aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the virus’s impact while preventing its further spread.

Five stages of virus eradication

Under the National Milk Testing Strategy, states will be categorised into five stages based on the prevalence of H5N1. The initial stage involves nationwide milk silo monitoring to detect affected regions. Subsequent stages include bulk tank sampling, enhanced biosecurity measures in affected areas, and ongoing surveillance in virus-free states. Once all states achieve virus-free status, periodic testing will confirm the long-term elimination of H5N1 from dairy herds nationwide.

The USDA confirmed that California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania will be the first states to participate in this program. Secretary Xavier Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emphasised that federal agencies would continue to collaborate on ensuring the safety of the national milk supply, including retail pasteurised milk products.

Expert insights highlight risks and solutions

Industry experts have underscored the potential risks posed by H5N1, noting that the virus could severely impact livestock health and disrupt dairy production. Veterinary specialists stressed the importance of enhanced biosecurity measures, such as restricting farm access, sanitising equipment, and monitoring herd health closely. The USDA’s support for such measures includes financial assistance for protective equipment, biosecurity training, and veterinary services.

The USDA also reaffirmed the safety of commercial dairy products, emphasising that pasteurisation effectively neutralises the H5N1 virus. Collaborative research with the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies continues to focus on understanding the virus’s origins and preventing future outbreaks.

Broader implications for public health and safety

The USDA’s comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding not only the dairy industry but also public health and community welfare. Effective testing and rapid containment strategies are expected to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the outbreak. State animal health officials and dairy regulators are already preparing to implement the program, with webinars scheduled for December 10 and 11 to provide detailed guidance.

While the challenges posed by H5N1 are significant, the USDA’s strategy offers a roadmap to protect the nation’s dairy herds and ensure the continued safety of milk production. As the testing program expands to include additional states, the USDA remains committed to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders.