Bird Flu Virus Detected in Pasteurized Milk: Understanding the Risks and Safety Measures
Detection in Pasteurized Milk
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected genetic material from the bird flu virus in pasteurized milk. However, the FDA emphasizes that this does not indicate the presence of infectious virus and that the commercial milk supply remains safe to consume.
Pasteurization and Avian Influenza Virus
Pasteurization is a heating process that kills viruses and bacteria in milk. While it is expected to eliminate the avian flu virus, it may not remove all viral particles. However, these residual particles pose minimal risk to consumers as they are not infectious.
FDA Testing and Monitoring
The FDA is conducting additional tests to confirm the absence of infectious virus in milk. The agency is injecting chicken eggs with viral samples to check for replication, which is a key indicator of active virus. Results of these studies will be made available in the coming weeks.
Prevalence of Bird Flu in Dairy Herds
Bird flu infections have been detected in dairy cows in eight states: Idaho, New Mexico, South Dakota, Kansas, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina. The virus is spreading more widely than initially thought, raising concerns among public health officials.
Impact on Milk Production and Safety
Dairy producers are diverting and discarding milk from infected cows to maintain the safety of the milk supply. Additionally, pasteurization and the dilution of milk from individual cows further minimize the risk of contamination.
Risk to Humans
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public remains low. Analyses of the viruses detected in dairy cattle have not revealed any changes that would make it more infectious to humans. Only one person has been infected after exposure to sick cattle, and their symptoms were limited to pink eye.
Concerns about Information Sharing
Scientists have expressed concerns that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not sharing enough information about the spread of bird flu in cattle and is doing so too slowly. This lack of transparency hinders efforts to mitigate the risks associated with the virus.
Continued Efforts and Research
Regulatory agencies, scientists, and dairy producers are actively working to control the spread of bird flu and ensure the safety of the milk supply. Ongoing research and monitoring are essential to understanding the virus’s behavior, developing effective prevention strategies, and safeguarding public health.
Additional Information
- The FDA maintains that the commercial milk supply is safe and will report results of further tests in the coming days and weeks.
- The avian flu virus has been detected in more than 9,000 wild birds and over 90 million domestic birds across 48 states in the last few years.
- Worldwide, more than 131 million domestic poultry died due to infection or culling in 2022 alone.
- Flu viruses are generally susceptible to inactivation, making pasteurization an effective measure against the avian flu virus.