Three of America’s top milk-producing states, Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho, are not part of federal surveillance testing for bird flu, even as a new variant is being found in dairy cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture started a voluntary milk-testing program in December after the virus was discovered in cattle in March 2024. Avian influenza has been spreading rapidly in the U.S., impacting poultry farms and causing a rise in egg prices. While the risk to humans is low, experts say nationwide testing of milk is crucial to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to animals and potentially to humans.
Texas, Wisconsin, and Idaho are not participating in the voluntary federal testing program, citing reasons such as no active cases in commercial cattle or poultry in Texas, and a focus on bovine vaccine development in Wisconsin. The USDA announced the discovery of a new strain of bird flu in cattle through the milk-testing program. Over 960 dairy herds nationwide have been affected so far, and the USDA requires all lactating dairy cattle to be tested for bird flu before being moved across state lines.
Testing is carried out by state and USDA officials using raw milk samples from bulk silos. Increased testing frequency in some states, such as weekly testing in Colorado, has helped identify cases before animals display symptoms. Surveillance testing is crucial for monitoring the virus’s evolution and detecting changes that could increase the risk to humans. Testing also helps farmers quickly contain the virus, quarantine affected animals, and protect workers who may have been exposed. The USDA aims to enroll all 48 continental states in the testing program.
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