USDA implements new bird flu surveillance strategy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a federal order to test milk for H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

The National Milk Testing Strategy will aim to track the spread of bird flu within dairy cattle populations and the nation’s milk supply by requiring unpasteurized milk samples across the United States to be submitted to the agency for testing. Identifying affected herds may allow for earlier and more effective interventions to control the spread of the virus. Herd owners whose dairy cattle test positive for bird flu will then need to provide epidemiologic information to help better trace viral transmission, while those whose herds are unaffected should continue submitting samples to ensure the virus doesn’t reemerge.

The USDA also expects to use the strategy to enhance biosecurity measures, minimize transmission rates and lower the risk of human exposure to bird flu. The agency hopes the initiative will protect farmworkers, the country’s food supply as well as the safety and health of at-risk communities.

Read more: USDA

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.