Uncooked milk from Uncooked Farm is displayed on the market at a grocery retailer in Torrance, Calif., on Nov. 29.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
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Patrick T. Fallon/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
The U.S. Division of Agriculture issued a federal order requiring the testing of the nation’s milk provide amid growing issues over chicken flu.
The influenza virus has been elevating alarm because it was detected in a Texas cow again in March. Since then, the virus has unfold to over 710 dairy herds throughout 15 states, with California reporting the best variety of infections. A minimum of 58 individuals have been contaminated with chicken flu, together with one child living in the San Francisco Bay area.
The brand new federal order will give regulators the ability to check samples from dairy farms or when milk is being transported or processed. Non-public labs will even be required to report any constructive circumstances. The testing program is launching first in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
USDA mentioned Friday the aim of the federal order is to “determine the place the illness is current, monitor developments, and assist states determine probably affected herds.”
“Amongst many outcomes, this may give farmers and farmworkers higher confidence within the security of their animals and talent to guard themselves, and it’ll put us on a path to rapidly controlling and stopping the virus’ unfold nationwide,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack mentioned in a statement.
Rising proof suggests that the virus is spreading via dairy operations. Milk with excessive concentrations of the virus can simply unfold throughout the milking parlor; via rodents and different animals; or by way of people carrying infectious materials on their clothes or farm tools.
Earlier this week, California well being officers detected doable chicken flu contamination in uncooked milk and cream merchandise from the corporate Uncooked Farm primarily based in Fresno. A number of of its merchandise are beneath a recall and the farm has been positioned beneath quarantine.
Whereas the dangers aren’t solely clear, scientists say it is doable consuming contaminated milk may result in an an infection. In the meantime, federal well being officers say pasteurized milk stays protected to drink.
The federal order will complement one issued in April which required testing of lactating dairy cows earlier than they had been shipped throughout state traces.
NPR’s Will Stone contributed reporting.
