The United States is set to start testing its national milk supply for bird flu, as declared by the Department of Agriculture on Friday. This new federal mandate requires entities dealing with raw milk, such as dairy processors, to collect samples and provide them to agriculture officials. This initiative has been launched in response to the alarming spread of bird flu within US dairy herds.
Since March, over 700 dairy herds, mostly in California, have fallen victim to this virus, as shown by government statistics. Although nearly 60 people have been infected since April, they exhibited only mild symptoms. The virus is not easily transmitted between humans. Organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the public health risk to be low, yet emphasize the importance of vigilantly monitoring the virus’s spread.
In a statement, the USDA emphasized that the program aims to “swiftly and diligently” identify affected herds, offering farmers and farmworkers more confidence in animal safety and personal protection. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack explained that this approach is part of a broader strategy to curb the nationwide spread of the virus.
The testing plan, involving monthly or weekly collections, is initially set for California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. Testing is scheduled to commence on December 16, according to Vilsack. Moreover, an earlier mandate from April required testing of milk-producing cows before interstate movement. The recent order is designed to “complement and enhance” these previous measures.
As per the CDC, 57 human bird flu cases have been confirmed across seven states this year. In September, Missouri reported a case without known animal exposure, but the patient has since recovered. Recently, Arizona documented its first human cases, both involving individuals working with poultry, yet the risk to the public remains minimal.
Bird flu surfaced in China during the 1990s, subsequently spreading worldwide, affecting wildlife including sea lions, seals, and bears. Despite the current minimal risk to humans, global health officials continue to keep a watchful eye on the situation.
Vocabulary List:
- Mandate /ˈmæn.deɪt/ (noun): An official order or commission to do something.
- Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/ (noun): A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem.
- Alarming /əˈlɑːr.mɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing worry or fear.
- Vigilantly /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.lənt.li/ (adverb): In a way that is watchful and alert.
- Surveillance /sərˈveɪ.ləns/ (noun): Close observation especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
- Confirmed /kənˈfɜːrmd/ (verb): Established the truth or correctness of something.
How much do you know?
What prompted the United States to begin testing its national milk supply for bird flu?
Who is responsible for collecting samples of raw milk for bird flu testing?
Which of the following states is NOT initially included for bird flu testing?
What is the primary goal of the testing program as stated by the USDA?
Which federal official emphasized the importance of monitoring the bird flu spread?
When is the testing scheduled to begin for the selected states?
The bird flu virus is easily transmitted between humans.
The recent order complements the mandate requiring testing of milk-producing cows before interstate movement.
The CDC reported over 100 human bird flu cases in the United States this year.
Arizona documented its first human bird flu cases involving individuals working with fish.
Bird flu was first identified in the United States during the 2000s.
Global health officials consider the risk to the public from bird flu to be high.
Over dairy herds have fallen victim to the bird flu virus since March in California.
As per the CDC, human bird flu cases have been confirmed across seven states this year.
Ratan Naval Tata was born on .
Bird flu surfaced in China during the .
Missouri reported a human bird flu case in September without known exposure.
The recent testing order is designed to "complement and " previous measures.