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Bird Flu Spreads in Cattle as Key Milk-Producing States Resist Testing

Gaps in Surveillance Raise Concerns Among Health Experts

Despite the increasing spread of bird flu in dairy cattle, three of the top five milk-producing states—Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho—are not participating in the U.S. Agriculture Department’s (USDA) voluntary milk-testing program. Experts warn that this gap in surveillance could hinder efforts to track and contain the virus, potentially increasing the risk of transmission to both animals and humans.

 

The USDA initiated the milk-testing program in December after the virus was first detected in cattle in March. While the bird flu outbreak began affecting poultry farms in 2022, its spread to livestock has raised new concerns. Public health specialists stress that comprehensive nationwide testing is crucial for identifying undetected cases and preventing further outbreaks.

 

Dr. K. Fred Gingrich II, executive director of a leading bovine veterinary association, emphasized the importance of widespread monitoring, stating, “It is incredibly difficult to control a disease of national importance unless we have a robust surveillance system in place.”

 

States Push Back Against Testing Requirements

Texas, which reported the first known case of bird flu in cattle, remains reluctant to participate in federal surveillance. State officials argue that milk testing is unnecessary, citing no active cases in commercial cattle or poultry. The Texas agriculture commissioner dismissed the program as excessive regulation, suggesting that vaccine development should take priority instead.

 

Meanwhile, Texas' animal health authorities are working with federal agencies to develop an independent surveillance strategy, but details on implementation remain unclear.

 

New Strain Detected as Testing Expands

Amid ongoing concerns, a new strain of bird flu was recently detected in cattle in Nevada through the federal milk-testing program. This discovery highlights the program’s effectiveness in identifying emerging variants.

 

Currently, nearly 75% of the nation’s milk production is part of the testing initiative, with close to 40 states participating. The USDA aims to extend the program to all 48 continental states to strengthen disease monitoring efforts.

 

Since early 2024, at least 68 bird flu cases have been reported in humans, with one fatality. Most infections have been linked to prolonged exposure to infected animals. Experts caution that continued monitoring is essential to track potential mutations that could increase human-to-human transmission risks.

 

Richard Webby, a leading animal influenza researcher, stressed the urgency of proactive testing, noting that milk surveillance provides critical insights into how the virus evolves. Without full participation from all states, health officials fear that undetected outbreaks could threaten both the dairy industry and public health.