The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has launched a comprehensive precautionary bulk milk testing program to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking a significant step in protecting the state’s agricultural infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the initiative, which comes in response to increasing bird flu cases across multiple states.
The new testing protocol applies to milk from Pennsylvania farms, with no additional cost to farmers. The measure follows consultation with dairy and poultry industry representatives and addresses the growing concern of viral transmission in agricultural settings. Currently, no bird flu cases have been detected in Pennsylvania cattle, but the state said it is taking proactive measures to prevent potential outbreaks.
Detailed Testing Procedures
Milk samples will be collected from bulk milk tank trucks at two primary points: processing plants within Pennsylvania and at shipping points for out-of-state processing facilities. Only trained and certified personnel may collect these samples, which must be submitted to a Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System lab within 48 hours of collection.
If the virus is detected, a comprehensive investigation will be initiated to identify the source. Special quarantine measures will be implemented to contain and eliminate the virus, protecting both animal and agricultural resources.
National Context and Outbreak Statistics
The testing program comes amid a significant increase in bird flu cases across the United States. In the past 30 days, 217 new cases have been confirmed in dairy cattle across three states. While not typically fatal to dairy cattle, the virus can severely impact milk production and cause serious illness in some animals. The virus remains particularly deadly to poultry.
Pennsylvania joins Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma in implementing precautionary testing at the processor level. The state has been at the forefront of preventative measures, having issued a Quarantine Order in April 2024 requiring testing of dairy cattle entering the state, a strategy subsequently adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other states.
Industry and Expert Perspectives
Chuck Turner, President of Turner Dairy Farms, has been voluntarily participating in bulk milk testing for 20 consecutive weeks. Turner emphasized the importance of proactive testing in preventing viral spread and protecting dairy partners, employees, and consumers.
State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg highlighted critical insights about the virus’s transmission. He noted that the virus can appear in milk before cows show clinical signs of illness and can spread through multiple vectors, including contaminated equipment, trucks, and farmworkers’ clothing and footwear.
Broader Agricultural Impact
Poultry and dairy represent the two largest sectors in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agricultural industry, which supports more than 593,000 jobs statewide. The testing program is part of a broader strategy to protect this crucial economic infrastructure.
Safety and Consumption
Officials stress that pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption. The pasteurization process effectively destroys the virus, ensuring public safety while maintaining milk supply in the marketplace.
Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
The administration of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro is taking a multifaceted approach to preventing and responding to animal diseases. This includes:
- Creating the nation’s only special fund to improve biosecurity for poultry farmers
- Expanding veterinary lab services in Western Pennsylvania to expedite disease outbreak diagnosis and response
- Funding research to develop cutting-edge technologies for disease detection and prevention
Collaborative Efforts
The state is working closely with federal, state, local, and industry partners through organizations like the PA Centers for Dairy Excellence and Poultry & Livestock Excellence. Monthly updates are provided to dairy and poultry farmers, processors, and their workforces to maintain industry safety.
Looking Forward
The precautionary testing program represents a strategic response to the evolving challenges in agricultural disease management. By implementing rigorous testing and biosecurity measures, Pennsylvania aims to protect its agricultural resources, ensure food safety, and minimize potential economic disruptions.
Food Poisoning News has previously covered the outbreak of avian influenza this year, including:
- Latest updates on the H5N1 bird flu outbreak
- Bird flu outbreak confirmed in three California dairy herds
- FDA affirms safety of milk despite bird flu traces in dairy cattle
- New research sheds light on spread of H5N1 flu in dairy cattle
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Pennsylvania’s commitment to proactive agricultural management should be applauded. By balancing the need for early detection with minimal disruption to farming operations, the state should not only protect its agricultural community, but also the safety of its food supply.”
