Federal agencies pledged almost $200 million on Friday toward containing the spread of avian flu in cattle — and none of it is heading to Maine.
“Which is a good thing,” said Jim Britt, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “It means Maine has no confirmed cases.”
The funding, including for preventative measures, is for herds with cattle that have tested positive, Britt said.
The avian influenza, which was first detected in Maine birds two years ago, appeared in Texas cattle this March. It has been found in dairy herds in nine states, primarily in the west. No cases have been detected in Maine or New England as of May 13.
On April 29, a federal order took effect requiring a negative influenza test for lactating cattle to be moved across state lines unless they are headed to slaughter. Under the order, tracing information must also be shared for animals that test positive.
The $98 million of department funds pledged on Friday will go toward biosecurity procedures, reimbursement for costs including veterinary treatment and lost milk and continued restriction of interstate cattle movement.
Another $101 million from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services will expand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s response. Lab testing, contact tracing, “surveillance” activities and research into a vaccine response are part of the plans.
Particles of the virus have been found in commercial dairy supplies, but the USDA said the pasteurization process neutralizes it and that commercial dairy is safe. It has not issued health guidance on raw milk, which is federally illegal but regulated by states.
Raw milk from licensed dairies is legal to sell in Maine.
In Maine, the department of agriculture recommends increasing biosecurity measures.
