Raw samples nationwide will be collected and shared with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for bird flu testing, according to a new federal order issued by the agency on Friday.
USDA’s new federal mandate includes three new requirements. Raw milk samples must now be shared upon request by dairy farms, bulk milk transporters or dairy processing facilities.
Livestock testing positive for avian influenza must provide information that allows health officials to conduct contact tracing and disease surveillance. Private laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive avian flu test results to the USDA.
The logo of the United States Department of Agriculture, August 10, 2007, at the US Embassy in Berlin.
Michael Sohn/AP, FILE
The decision comes after the bird flu virus was found in raw milk samples from a California farm, which earlier this week recalled all of its raw milk products. The farm was also quarantined by state health officials.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
