USDA Launches Comprehensive Bird Flu Testing Program

August 19, 2024

A new initiative aims to safeguard the livestock food supply amid rising avian influenza cases across the U.S.

The United States is bracing for the impact of bird flu as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to initiate comprehensive testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) across the country’s dairy cattle. This yearlong study, set to commence next month, will analyze beef from former dairy cows transitioned to meat production, focusing on ensuring food safety amid rising concerns about avian influenza.

Emilio Esteban, USDA’s undersecretary for food safety, emphasized the necessity of this additional precaution during a press call, stating, “We want to move forward with an additional step.” He also confirmed the safety of the beef currently available, having found it free from the virus during prior studies.

Reports indicate the virus has established itself not only among avian species but also has started affecting mammals, particularly dairy cattle, alarming both animal health and human health experts. There have already been close to 200 dairy herds infected across 13 U.S. states and over a dozen farmworkers reported mild cases of human infection this year due to contact with infected poultry.

Concurrently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers of the safety of pasteurized dairy products, announcing the results of their testing across 27 states. Steve Grube, the FDA’s chief medical officer, reported, “None of the product samples contained viable H5N1, reaffirming the effectiveness of pasteurization,” providing some peace of mind to worried consumers.

Further initiatives have also been launched by the USDA to facilitate voluntary bulk tank testing for H5N1 on dairy farms, easing the movement of livestock across state lines. Eric Deeble from the USDA mentioned, “This program aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers dealing with H5N1 positive cases.”

The rise of bird flu cases has been particularly pronounced in Colorado, where officials noted the dairy industry faces unique risks owing to the tight-knit nature of local farms. Deeble pointed out, “Weld County’s dairies are closely associated, leading to higher infection likelihood due to constant interactions among them,” raising questions about how testing and infection rates might differ across states.

During the last month, states including South Dakota, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas reported positive cases among their dairy cattle. While Colorado reported the majority, with 26 herds testing positive, other states collectively reported only six infected herds, highlighting the concerning trends within the state’s dairy community.

Public health officials are also increasingly concerned about the effect of H5N1 on domestic cats, particularly those roaming outdoors. Earlier this month, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association reported indoor cats had tested positive for the virus, raising questions about how the virus is transmitted and signaling the need for heightened awareness.

Meanwhile, as the virus spreads across various animal species, especially during the autumn migration of wild birds, experts worry the number of reported cases will continue to climb. With the changing season, farmers are likely gearing up to transport cattle more frequently, which may facilitate farther spread of H5N1.

Across multiple wildlife refuges, wildlife personnel are contending with concurrent outbreaks of both avian botulism and H5N1, particularly within the Klamath Basin, where thousands of birds are believed to have perished this summer. John Vradenburg, supervisory biologist at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, remarked, “This is a new pressure we’ve never dealt with,” emphasizing the difficulties faced not only by wildlife but the interconnected environments these birds inhabit.

Recent efforts at the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge have seen refuge staff collect numerous dead birds as they combat the dual threat of botulism and avian influenza. This year has also experienced favorable conditions, leading to increased waterbird populations, indicating the fragility of their ecosystems when faced with disease outbreaks.

With past outbreaks causing considerable damage, including the loss of over 60,000 birds during the 2020 outbreak, advocates urge reservoir managers to release additional water to stave off adverse conditions. According to Moss Driscoll, director of the Klamath Water Users Association, the existing conditions could trigger similar catastrophic results if appropriate actions aren’t undertaken.

This year has seen intense advocacy for managers from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to divert more water to prevent drying wetlands, which exacerbate disease spread. The interconnectivity of water management decisions demonstrates the challenge faced by regulators as they balance agricultural needs against wildlife conservation and public health concerns.

Notably, the USDA is taking unprecedented measures to assess the prevalence of H5N1 within the dairy industry for the very first time and the results could prove influential as they work on creating strategies to limit future outbreaks. An initial survey found H5N1 particles present in one dairy cow, but no positive results emerged from tested ground beef available for commercial sale, providing another layer of reassurance.

One area of growing concern is the consumption of raw milk, which has gained popularity but poses notable health risks, particularly during the current outbreak of H5N1. Officials stress to consumers the importance of cooking meats thoroughly as strong heat eliminates H5N1, addressing the panic around food safety during this unsettling period.

Tuning back to the situation with wildlife, the combination of warm water, bird carcasses, and the migration of wild birds is creating what many are calling the perfect storm for disease outbreaks. Recent reports indicate wildlife officials collected thousands of dead birds as they grapple with these compounded crises, indicating the urgent need for cooperative actions to mitigate the looming threats.

At this juncture, as wildlife populations are dwindling and livestock testing is intensifying, many questions remain unanswered, including how resilient the agricultural community will be amid such challenges. Experts caution the community to remain vigilant and prepared for the potential of increased control measures and continue to prioritize the health and safety of both livestock and wildlife ecosystems.