The ongoing outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu (bird flu) has prompted the Colorado Department of Agriculture to mandate regular testing for dairy milk produced in the state. Dairies licensed by the state will now have weekly bulk testing, even if they have not been placed under quarantine for the disease.

According to the state agency, the fight against the avian flu has lasted three months. However, progress has been limited — leading to the new testing requirements. The USDA reported 30 herds in Colorado have contracted the virus in the last 30 days. Nearly 40 flocks of poultry and non-poultry birds have been impacted in the state, along with eight agriculture workers.

Any non-negative test will result in a quarantine for the facility that produced it. There is currently no expiration date for the mandate.

Learn more about the testing requirements here.