Colorado requires weekly bird flu testing for dairies

Colorado has implemented a new mandate requiring dairies to test milk supplies for bird flu every week. The move comes as a federal team arrives in the state to investigate an escalating outbreak in cows that has spread to chickens and humans. The state hopes to identify additional farms that could be infected and prevent the spread of the disease. Bird flu infections linked to dairy cows have already resulted in the loss of 3.1 million egg-laying chickens in Colorado, with workers also testing positive. The state has confirmed infections in 47 dairy herds since the outbreak began in late March. The loss of millions of chickens triggered the new testing requirement for licensed dairies with lactating cows. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has required testing for lactating cows being shipped over state lines since late April. If mandated testing by a USDA epidemiological "strike team" reveals additional infections, Colorado can take further steps to contain the virus. Six Colorado farm workers have already tested positive for bird flu, and more than 150 workers were exposed to infected poultry.

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