Colorado Implements Weekly Bird Flu Testing for Dairy Milk amid Rising Cases
Source: The DairyNews
In response to the escalating bird flu outbreak, Colorado has mandated weekly bird flu testing for all dairy milk supplies, according to the state's chief veterinarian.
This new requirement, as reported by Reuters, is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the virus, which has affected both dairy cows and poultry, and has now been linked to human cases on a Colorado farm.
The state's decision comes after the loss of approximately 3.1 million egg-laying chickens due to the virus, with infections confirmed in 47 dairy herds. The move is aimed at identifying and containing potential new outbreaks across dairy and poultry operations. Colorado's directive aligns with federal guidelines that have been in place since late April, which require testing for lactating cows being transported across state lines.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the arrival of a U.S. Department of Agriculture epidemiological team in Colorado to investigate the transmission dynamics of the virus among farms. The state veterinarian, Maggie Baldwin, emphasized the need for a revised approach, stating that previous measures were insufficient.
This intensified response follows the detection of the virus in six farm workers, who tested positive this July after participating in poultry culling operations at an affected farm. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that over 150 individuals were exposed during this incident, with 69 showing symptoms and undergoing testing.
The Colorado Department of Public Health continues to monitor the situation closely, as additional human cases are investigated, highlighting the state's proactive measures to manage and mitigate the spread of bird flu through rigorous testing and containment strategies.
The state's decision comes after the loss of approximately 3.1 million egg-laying chickens due to the virus, with infections confirmed in 47 dairy herds. The move is aimed at identifying and containing potential new outbreaks across dairy and poultry operations. Colorado's directive aligns with federal guidelines that have been in place since late April, which require testing for lactating cows being transported across state lines.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the arrival of a U.S. Department of Agriculture epidemiological team in Colorado to investigate the transmission dynamics of the virus among farms. The state veterinarian, Maggie Baldwin, emphasized the need for a revised approach, stating that previous measures were insufficient.
This intensified response follows the detection of the virus in six farm workers, who tested positive this July after participating in poultry culling operations at an affected farm. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that over 150 individuals were exposed during this incident, with 69 showing symptoms and undergoing testing.
The Colorado Department of Public Health continues to monitor the situation closely, as additional human cases are investigated, highlighting the state's proactive measures to manage and mitigate the spread of bird flu through rigorous testing and containment strategies.
