Three of America’s leading milk-producing states, including Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho, are not participating in the federal surveillance testing for bird flu, despite the recent detection of a new variant in dairy cattle. This represents a gap in the national effort to identify and contain the spread of the virus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture initiated a voluntary milk-testing program in response to the virus being found in cattle in March 2024. While the risk to humans remains low, public health experts emphasize the importance of nationwide milk testing to prevent undetected cases and limit the virus’s spread.
Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho are among the top milk-producing states but have not joined the federal testing program. Texas agriculture commissioner Sid Miller argues that surveillance milk testing is unnecessary due to the absence of active bird flu cases in commercial cattle or poultry in the state. However, the USDA is pushing for broader participation in the testing program, with nearly 40 states currently enrolled. Detection of a new strain in cattle in Nevada highlights the significance of monitoring the virus’s evolution through milk testing.
With more than 960 dairy herds affected nationwide, the federal government requires all lactating dairy cattle to be tested before crossing state lines. Bird flu can be detected in cows through testing before symptoms appear, allowing for prompt containment measures. States like Colorado have implemented weekly milk testing following outbreaks, proving useful in identifying cases early. The effectiveness of milk testing in monitoring the virus’ evolution and limiting its potential spread underscores the critical role of surveillance in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
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