In a recent development, particles of the H5N1 avian influenza virus were detected in pasteurized milk from dairy cattle. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that the nation’s milk supply remains safe to drink.
Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle
Trace fragments of the bird flu virus were found in dairy cattle although it’s already understood that these particles may not be eliminated during the pasteurization process. The FDA said that further testing is underway to assess the virus’s potential for replication in laboratory conditions.
Why Milk Is Still Safe
The FDA has stated that “based on the information currently available, our commercial milk supply is safe because of these two reasons: 1) the pasteurization process and 2) the diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows.”
Milk that has been pasteurized has been heated to a specific temperature, which destroys bacteria and viruses. Milk from sick cows is typically destroyed, ensuring it doesn’t enter the commercial milk supply.
Risk to Consumers
Virologists confirm that the risk of infection from pasteurized milk containing viral bird flu fragments is negligible since the genetic material of the virus cannot replicate independently. However, the FDA has long-recommended, that consumers should not consume raw milk due to possible transmission of the H5N1 virus and other pathogens. This year, Food Poisoning News has reported on a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese in California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah and another E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk consumption in Washington state.
CDC and FDA Preparedness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively monitoring the situation and has said that antiviral drugs are effective against the flu strain detected in cattle. A candidate vaccine virus has already been developed for potential vaccine production.
The CDC and the FDA are partnering closely and “monitoring emergency department data and flu testing data for any unusual trends in flu-like illness, flu, or conjunctivitis.” The CDC reiterates that the risk to humans remains low and the FDA indicates that the nation’s milk supply is safe based on current information.
Commenting on this article, one national food safety attorney said, “It’s of paramount importance that the nation’s food supply be kept safe. I applaud this work by the FDA, CDC, and other agencies to ensure that consumers are kept informed of ongoing efforts to protect our milk from bird flu contamination.”
