Reports of H5N1 bird flu outbreaks at California dairy herds are continuing to rise as the nation’s largest milk producer scrambles to contain the spread. On Monday, officials reported that the number of infected dairy herds in the Central Valley had doubled over the weekend, rising from 17 to 34.

The H5N1 bird flu appears to be stampeding through dairy farms in California, the country's largest milk producer. Over the weekend, the total number of confirmed infected cow herds stunningly doubled, going from 17 last Thursday to 34 Monday morning, according to state and federal officials.

Colombia in April became the only country to officially limit trade in U.S. beef due to bird flu in cows, broadening the economic impact of the virus that has restricted poultry trade globally. The U.

The mandatory testing comes as the total number of infected herds in California has risen to 17. Nationally, officials have announced 218 outbreaks across 18 states. In the last 30 days, however, California has accounted for all but two of the latest outbreaks.