Minnesota to Begin Bird Flu Testing in Raw Milk Next Month

Starting in early February 2025, Minnesota will begin testing raw milk for the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This initiative, led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) effort to monitor and contain the spread of bird flu, which has begun affecting dairy cattle in some areas.
The testing is crucial for the Detroit Lakes area and the broader west-central Minnesota region, which is home to numerous dairy farms. While pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption, testing raw milk helps identify potential outbreaks early, protecting livestock, farmers, and consumers.
This decision follows Minnesota’s first confirmed case of H5N1 in a dairy herd in Benton County last June, highlighting the virus’s ability to cross from birds to cattle. Officials will use milk samples already submitted for other testing to ease the burden on farmers, ensuring the process is efficient and minimally invasive.
Local farmers are encouraged to participate in the program to safeguard the state’s dairy industry and prevent further spread of the virus. Open communication between the MDA, agricultural communities, and consumers will be key to managing this public health effort.