Oregon has taken a proactive stance against H5N1 avian influenza by implementing a robust milk testing program. The state’s Department of Agriculture (ODA) has collaborated closely with the local dairy industry and processors to initiate raw milk sampling and surveillance.

Smooth coordination has ensured that select processors started collecting raw milk samples this past week, aiming to monitor over 75% of Oregon’s milk supply by January 2025. Despite no confirmed cases of H5N1 in Oregon's dairy cattle or their milk, the urgency to protect farms, workers, and communities is palpable. This initiative follows the announcement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on December 6, 2024, which pinpointed Oregon as one of the six states to kickstart the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), as revealed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Oregon's dairy industry proponents are committed to going beyond the federal guidelines. They agreed to collect samples weekly for testing by the reputable Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU). Dawn Dirks, Supervisor of Molecular Diagnostics at the OVDL, remarked, "We are proud to continue to provide important lab capabilities in support of agricultural and human health, both in Oregon and expanded to the larger community," as conveyed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to validate the safety of pasteurized milk and other dairy products like cheese and ice cream, reminding the public of the dangers of consuming raw milk. The FDA and USDA also urge farmers to maintain stringent biosecurity practices to prevent the spreading of diseases such as H5N1, even in areas where the virus has not been detected.