Topline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will start requiring that raw milk be tested for bird flu in escalated efforts to address the outbreak of the illness in dairy cattle that began in March, the organization announced Friday—as raw milk continues to be promoted by the nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Containers of Raw Farm raw milk are displayed on a shelf at Berkeley Bowl on November 25, 2024 in … [+]
Key Facts
The USDA announced a new federal order Friday that requires raw milk samples be shared with the department if requested; that herd owners with cattle testing positive for bird flu provide information for contact tracing; and that private labs and state veterinarians report positive results to the USDA.
The new guidance comes after California suspended the sale of raw milk from Raw Farm, a dairy farm in Fresno, California, earlier this week after the bird flu virus was found in milk samples.
The federal order follows another federal order from April—which is still in effect—that requires mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows before interstate shipment and that positive results be reported.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
