USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt spread of virus

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The USDA has ordered nationwide testing of raw milk to monitor and contain the spread of bird flu in dairy cows.

Beginning December 16, dairy farms and processors across the country must test unpasteurized milk upon request. Initial testing is focused on six states: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

The Type A H5N1 bird flu virus was first detected i