State Prepares to Monitor Dairy Supply for H5N1 Virus
In a significant move to combat the spread of bird flu, Oregon will begin testing raw milk this week for the H5N1 virus. The state’s Agriculture Department announced that certain dairy processors will begin collecting samples of raw milk, which will then be sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University for analysis. This initiative is part of a broader federal program aimed at tracking the virulent strain of bird flu that has affected both wildlife and domestic animals, as well as humans.
Oregon officials did not specify how many dairy processors will be involved in the testing at the outset. However, they plan to test 75% of the commercial milk supply in the state by January 1, 2025, according to Ryan Scholz, the state veterinarian. Scholz expressed that the testing program would help build trust among Oregon’s farmers, farmworkers, and consumers, ensuring that the state’s food supply remains safe.
The Spread of Bird Flu and Its Impact on Oregon
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been a growing concern since its resurgence in 2022, particularly because of its ability to spread across different species, including wild birds, poultry, and mammals. The virus was first detected in backyard poultry flocks in Oregon and has since spread to commercial operations, including farms in Clackamas County. Nationally, the virus has infected over 121,000 birds across 49 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In March 2024, H5N1 was discovered in dairy cows in Texas. Since then, the disease has been detected in about 720 herds across the U.S., with one-third of those cases occurring in California. Of particular concern to experts are the cases involving mammals, including pigs in Oregon’s Crook County. The virus in pigs is the first recorded instance of H5N1 infection in this species in the United States, raising alarms due to the potential for cross-species transmission.
Additionally, the virus has infected nearly 60 humans, most of whom were farmworkers in states like California, Colorado, and Washington. Oregon has confirmed one case linked to the Clackamas County poultry operation, though health officials have withheld further details on the individual’s condition. The spread of H5N1 to mammals is especially troubling, as it increases the potential for the virus to mutate and potentially become more dangerous to humans.
Monitoring and Preventing Further Spread
The raw milk testing is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to monitor the virus. Along with Oregon, five other states—California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania—are participating in the first round of testing. The USDA has been working closely with dairy producers to implement biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, such as isolating infected animals, using personal protective equipment, and limiting contact with animals from outside sources.
While pasteurized milk has not shown signs of contamination, the virus remains a concern for raw milk, which is not pasteurized and can harbor dangerous pathogens. Oregon allows the sale of raw milk directly from farms but prohibits it from being sold in grocery stores. In contrast, Washington state allows raw milk sales in stores, with several outbreaks linked to its consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested pasteurized milk and found no evidence of contamination, reinforcing the safety of dairy products that undergo pasteurization.
Despite these efforts, biosecurity practices have faced challenges in preventing the virus from spreading among herds. USDA officials had initially hoped these measures would contain the outbreak, but the virus continues to infect both poultry and mammals across the country, raising concerns about the long-term risks posed by this ongoing situation.
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