The US Department of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that they are implementing a mandate to increase testing and reporting for H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu in dairy cows. Previously only poultry and wild birds were required to report cases of H5N1 influenza. Now dairy cow producers must also notify the government if their cows test positive. This new requirement aims to improve the USDAs ability to investigate the outbreak, among cattle, which has already affected 33 farms across eight states since confirmed cases in Texas and Kansas in March.
In response to the spread of H5N1 flu among bird populations and its recent transmission to mammals, including dairy cows the government is taking measures to address the situation. The USDA emphasized during a news conference on Wednesday that this new federal order will provide information for monitoring and managing the growing outbreak.
Dr. Michael Watson, administrator of the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) mentioned that some producers have been hesitant to share information from their farms. This collaboration with producers is essential, for gathering data needed to combat the spread of H5N1 influenza effectively.
“With the recent federal mandate coming into effect this measure will greatly assist us in addressing any gaps that may arise. The mandate stipulates that dairy cows being transported across state lines must undergo testing, for flu or any strain of influenza A before they can be moved. According to Watson dairy cows testing positive for flu are not permitted to travel between states unless certain conditions set by APHIS are met.
At present the mandate does not extend to beef cattle; however the USDA has indicated that this could change as more information is gathered about how the virus spreads. Current expert opinion suggests that the virus is transmitted through milk.
Watson mentioned that the mandate also empowers the government to visit facilities where positive cases have been identified and conduct tests and investigations if necessary. “Requiring reporting of test results will enable the USDA to gain an understanding of the disease and conducting tests prior to interstate travel will help contain the spread of the virus ” he explained.
The samples need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis and it may take days before results are available noted Watson. Nevertheless efforts are underway, within circles to develop testing methods that can provide quicker results directly on farms.
The directive states that the US government will cover the expenses related to testing for H5N1 in farms regardless of whether the animals exhibit symptoms.
The transmission of the H5N1 virus, among cows to humans has not been. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the public health risk is deemed low. One individual, a farm employee in Texas has tested positive in relation to the outbreak. The CDC reports that 22 other individuals have testing for the virus while 44 others who were potentially exposed are being monitored by states.
The CDC is exploring the option of monitoring wastewater for H5N1 presence; however this poses challenges as many farms do not connect to systems. There are concerns regarding contamination from birds or other infected wildlife that could affect the reliability of these tests.
On Tuesday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced findings of genetic material traces from the virus in milk found on grocery store shelves.
Both FDA and CDC have long cautioned against consuming unpasteurized milk due, to risks associated with pathogens it may contain.
While pasteurized dairy products are believed by FDA not to pose infection risks confirmatory tests are being conducted as a measure.
“We expect to receive updates on the findings of those investigations within the days or weeks ” mentioned Don Prater, who is currently serving as the head of the FDAs Center, for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at a press briefing held on Wednesday.
Prater chose not to disclose the origin of the milk or provide details on the extent of the outbreak.
“We are not, in a position to reveal details at this moment but more information will be released shortly ” he stated.
