September 18, 2024
Massachusetts, US dairy herds test 100% negative for avian influenza
Massachusetts has become the only state in the US to test all its dairy herds with 100% negative results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1), Morning Ag reported.
The testing was carried out by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The tests covered dairy herds from 95 farms across the state.
“Massachusetts dairy farmers follow stringent safety protocols and take great pride in producing the highest-quality products,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “That hard work protects all of us, and these test results demonstrate how supporting local agriculture and sourcing food from Massachusetts farms can keep our food supply strong and resilient.”
The testing initiative was part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of food supplies from local farms. The Avian Influenza virus, which was first detected in dairy cows in Texas in March, has since spread to herds in at least 14 states. While not all animals exhibit symptoms, infected cows may show signs of lethargy and reduced milk production for several weeks. Several dairy farm workers have also contracted the virus after coming into contact with unpasteurised milk, experiencing flu-like symptoms. Pasteurisation, however, kills the virus and renders milk safe for consumption.
The testing programme was a collaborative effort between MDAR and DPH. MDAR inspectors visited dairies in August to collect milk samples from bulk tanks, while the DPH worked with the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard to test the samples at no cost to the farmers.
“The safety of our food supply goes hand-in-hand with the health and safety of residents of the Commonwealth,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “We must remain vigilant and continue monitoring farms across the state to protect animal and public health. This is a great example of how collaboration across government and with communities can result in better health and maintain the integrity of the local dairy industry.”
David Shepard, president of the Massachusetts Association of Dairy Farmers, echoed these sentiments. “Massachusetts dairy farmers are committed to providing consumers with a fresh, local milk supply,” Shepard said. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the support needed to assure dairy farming remains a strong Massachusetts business.”
– Morning Ag
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Publish date : 2024-09-18 01:06:00
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