The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has completed its testing of all licensed dairy farms in the Commonwealth for the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) and has found no trace of the virus. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation to test all of its dairy herds from 95 farms with 100% negative results.
“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 Healey-Driscoll Administration made the decision to test all herds in an effort to protect public health and demonstrate the safety of the food supply at Massachusetts farms. The virus, most commonly known as Avian Influenza, was first detected back in March in dairy cows in Texas. Since that time, it has spread to herds in at least 14 states. While not all animals have symptoms, those that do, exhibit lethargy and show reduced milk production for a few weeks. There have also been several cases of dairy farm workers who have contracted the virus and experienced flu-like symptoms from coming into contact with unpasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills the virus and renders it safe for human consumption.
The testing program was conducted in collaboration between MDAR and DPH. MDAR inspectors visited dairies in August to collect samples of milk from their bulk tanks. 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.”
“Massachusetts dairy farmers are committed to providing Massachusetts consumers with a fresh local milk supply,” said David Shepard, President of the Massachusetts Association of Dairy Farmers. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the support needed to assure dairy farming remains a strong Massachusetts business.”
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