USDA's Controversial Order: Balancing Bird Flu Risks and Dairy Industry Demands

The USDA modified an emergency order aimed at preventing bird flu spread among dairy cattle after resistance from state and industry officials. Despite initial strict measures, the order was softened, allegedly leading to wider transmission. Public health experts express concern over the efficacy of the USDA's actions.

The USDA toned down an emergency order initially intended to prevent bird flu's spread among U.S. dairy cattle following resistance from state authorities and industry stakeholders, according to records reviewed by Reuters.

Initially released in April, the order required milk-producing cattle crossing state lines to test negative for the bird flu within seven days prior to travel. However, it allowed cattle destined for slaughter to move without a veterinarian's approval. These measures were softened from the initial proposal after industry pushback on the testing time frame.

With more than 330 herds affected across 14 states, some experts criticize the USDA's strategy as inadequate. USDA officials maintain that their decisions aim to balance compliance feasibility with health priorities. The department has conducted over 16,000 tests and is assessing whether cattle movements caused virus transmission into states like California.

(With inputs from agencies.)