United States – Colorado has adopted new measures that dictate that dairies must sample milk supplies for bird flu every week, the state Department of Agriculture reported. This measure was implemented as avian flu threat is still present and is affecting many regions in the country, as reported by The Hills.
State Veterinarian’s Statement
According to Colorado State Veterinarian Maggie Baldwin, Colorado has already failed to prevent the further spread of the disease that was discovered in the state’s birds three months prior to the statement. Baldwin singled out the new testing requirement is a very effective measure to protect the dairy and poultry sectors.
Impact of H5N1 Bird Flu
While the H5N1 bird flu does not endanger the human population, it has severely affected poultry and cattle in the course of the past year. The current outbreak has affected 11 people who have contracted the scour from infected animals. Across the United States, more than 100 million poultry have contracted the disease, while 168 dairy farms were infected, according to the CDC.
Purpose of Milk Surveillance
The new milk surveillance program will enable Colorado to better monitor and respond to cases of the disease in cattle. It’s important to note that milk from infected animals is safe for consumption, as pasteurization eliminates any infective agents.
Outbreak in Colorado’s Chicken Population
The testing requirement comes after an outbreak of the avian flu in the Colorado chicken population leading to the loss of nearly 70 percent of Colorado’s chicken population.
Official Comments
“Mandatory surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza across all of Colorado’s Grade A commercial dairies is a critical next step to tamping down the virus and protecting the food system,” stated state Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg. Colorado currently ranks as having the highest number of avian flu cases in the United States, as reported by The Hills.