Since the beginning of 2022, the US poultry industry has been under siege from a devastating outbreak of bird flu, resulting in the deaths of over 90 million birds. The virus, known as H5N1, has now made its way to US dairy cows, sparking concerns about the risk to human health.
Genetic evidence of the virus has been detected in commercially sold milk, although it remains unclear whether the milk actually contains live virus. Despite this discovery, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured the public of the safety of the commercial milk supply, but has faced criticism for lack of concrete data to support this claim.
Criticism has also been directed at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its slow and opaque response to the virus, with delays in data sharing and inadequate monitoring. In response, the USDA has issued a federal order mandating the reporting of farms with positive tests and requiring mandatory testing for lactating dairy cows.
The USDA’s conflicting roles of promoting and regulating agriculture have led to a hands-off approach to regulating disease spread, with loopholes and weak enforcement contributing to the problem. The concept of agricultural exceptionalism in the US food industry has allowed for these issues to persist, leading to the spread of diseases like bird flu.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for authorities to address these shortcomings and prioritize public health to prevent further outbreaks and protect the welfare of both animals and humans alike. Stay tuned to Matzav Blog for updates on this developing story.
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