National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern says his organization is ready to help dairy farmers meet the challenges brought on by the coronavirus. 

Those challenges can include impacts on both the domestic and international markets. 

“From possible damages to domestic and world markets, to supply chain labor disruptions on the farm, at the processing plant, or in transporting milk, the potential ramifications for dairy are wide-ranging,” he says. “We will devote our resources to the best of our ability toward helping dairy farmers and cooperatives respond to whatever challenges they may face.” 

He says the good news is the U.S. dairy supply is safe, with the production of high-quality products continuing unimpeded. 

The FDA has confirmed that heat treatment kills other coronaviruses, so pasteurization is expected to also inactivate this virus. 

Also, there’s no evidence that this strain of coronavirus is present in domestic livestock such as cattle. 

“All producers will remain vigilant as what has now been labeled a pandemic continues down its path,” Mulhern says. “We will continue to answer questions and offer information that will help our members. Policy solutions may also be needed to help producers whose operations have been affected by the virus.”