The USDA has issued a nationwide mandate for milk testing as the bird flu outbreak continues to spread among dairy herds. The virus, first identified in a Texas cow earlier this year, has affected over 710 herds in 15 states, with California reporting the most cases.
Testing will involve collecting milk samples on farms and during transportation or processing. Private labs must report any positive results. California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania will lead the initial rollout of the program.
Buried deep in the NYT article “U.S. Milk to Be Tested for Bird Flu Virus“ are 2 facts that reveal this is a scamdemic:
“No one has yet been known to become ill from drinking raw milk,”
“The virus has now been detected in 720 herds in 15 states”https://t.co/ZqNL31holL
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 6, 2024
According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the testing aims to track the spread of the virus and assist states in identifying at-risk herds. “This effort is about protecting livestock and stopping the virus’s spread,” Vilsack said.
Human cases are also raising alarms, with 58 infections reported so far, including one involving a child in the San Francisco Bay Area. California officials recently discovered the virus in raw milk and cream from Raw Farm in Fresno, resulting in a recall and product quarantine.
While pasteurized milk is considered safe, previous reports of bird flu in pasteurized products have sparked concern. Experts warn that infected milk could pose a risk, although the extent remains unclear.
USDA demands national milk supply get tested for bird flu https://t.co/yazAjwAPcc
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 8, 2024
The move is part of the USDA's "National Milk Testing Strategy," which builds on prior measures taken for a bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle first detected in March.
https://t.co/9dXCIbskbO— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) December 8, 2024
Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC Director, has cautioned that gain-of-function research could increase the risk of bird flu spreading to humans. The USDA’s proactive testing program seeks to curb the outbreak and prevent further human infections.
