The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a federal order requiring testing of the nation's milk supply to help prevent the spread of bird flu. Here's what you need to know.
The USDA has mandated that dairy cows be tested for bird flu before they can be transported across state lines, following the detection of the virus in 33 herds across eight states. This measure aims to control the spread of the virus, which has also been found in milk, though pasteurization effectively kills the virus, ensuring milk remains safe for consumption. The USDA, along with the FDA and CDC, are actively monitoring the situation, with no changes to milk safety protocols recommended at this time. Additionally, there is no evidence that the virus has mutated to become more transmissible to humans, and the risk to the general public remains low.
