Nearly 300 samples of dairy products have undergone testing for the High Path Avian Flu, with each one confirming the effectiveness of the pasteurization process.
FDA reports that no viable virus has been detected in those samples. They are also gaining insight into the likely spread of the virus after its initial discovery in dairy cattle. According to Rosemary Sifford, the USDA’s Chief Veterinarian, there was likely a spillover event where cows in multiple herds were infected by wild birds. Subsequently, these infected cattle were transferred to other states, potentially transmitting the virus through equipment or other tools.
As of Monday, new regulations have been implemented to halt the spread of the virus altogether. The regulations mandate that all lactating dairy cattle must test negative for HPAI, and any positive results must be reported to APHIS.
Documents indicate that non-clinical lactating dairy cows destined for direct slaughter are exempt from these regulations, although traceability information will still be required.
