New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich questioned Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf on May 8 on what progress has been made to counter the avian influenza after Califf warned that the virus is mutating and there is a possibility of its spread to human populations.
The FDA said as the spread among dairy cows is being managed.
Milk from dairy cow herds infected with bird flu is being tested
Califf said the FDA’s jurisdiction extends to the ensuring the safety of milk for consumers and the agency launched a testing program to that end. Dairy cattle in 10 states, including New Mexico, Texas and Colorado have tested positive for bird flu. Officials are hoping for progress on a human vaccine.
This story is from the Alamogordo Daily News.