FDA clarifies its approach to biotech animals
The Food and Drug Administration, the lead U.S. regulator of genetically engineered animals, issued two documents to clarify its risk-based oversight of the creatures and their developers. The agency exercises varying levels of scrutiny, ranging from full-scale review of an animal and its risk profile to instances in which developers can take an animal directly to market without consulting the FDA.
H5N1 virus was undetected for months in dairy cattle
Genetic testing indicates the H5N1 bird flu virus jumped from wild birds to dairy cattle in Texas approximately four months before it was identified in late March, said a nationwide team of researchers. “Continued transmission of H5N1 HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] within dairy cattle increases the risk for infection and subsequent spread of the virus to human populations.”
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Celebrating women farmers: The UN General Assembly, looking to increase awareness of the role women play in food production, adopted a resolution declaring 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. (FAO)
Vilsack on the Mississippi: On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and other officials will discuss U.S. exports at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 25, 50 miles northwest of St. Louis, where a 1,200-foot lock is being built. (USDA)
Ag water rule: A rule issued by the FDA will require produce farms to conduct annual assessments of their pre-harvest water supply and take action when needed to protect water quality. (FDA)
Rural death rate is higher: Rural Americans are more likely than urbanites to die early of one of the five leading causes of preventable death — heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory disease — said the CDC. (ABC News)
