Researchers at the federal level have been working hard to learn more about HPAI in dairy cattle.
Just this week, new data shed light on how the virus is likely spreading, and the results are pointing at milk-to-milk contact.
USDA’s Chief Veterinarian calls it a “spillover” event and points to equipment found in milking parlors as a possible vehicle for transmission. Milk carries a high viral load, but health experts say they have full confidence in the U.S. milk supply thanks to pasteurization.
On Monday, new regulations were put in place to stop the spread. The regulations mandate that all lactating dairy cattle must test negative, and any positive results must be reported to APHIS. Documents show non-clinical lactating dairy cows headed directly to slaughter are exempt from these regulations, although traceability information will still be required.
There are some costs associated with this testing, and USDA is now looking at options to reimburse producers.
‘So it’s important for us to be able to get with farmers to be able to get the information that would allow us to make an informed decision about whether or not an indemnification program makes sense,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack.
However, USDA points out that in order to make a decision, it would need all records to be shared with the department.
