Recent concerns about the spread of bird flu between cows and its presence in milk at U.S. grocery stores have raised questions about the risks to human health. However, experts have reassured that the risk is low due to the effectiveness of milk pasteurization in killing virus particles. While genetic fragments of the virus have been found in milk, the process of pasteurization ensures the safety of the milk for human consumption. Studies have shown that egg pasteurization, which is done at lower temperatures, can also inactivate the virus, further supporting the safety of milk consumption.
H5N1, the virus responsible for bird flu, is an envelope virus that is relatively easier to inactivate compared to non-envelope viruses. Envelope viruses are less stable and more susceptible to heat, making them less likely to survive pasteurization. However, experts caution against consuming raw milk as it poses other health risks and has been linked to outbreaks of infectious diseases. While the presence of genetic material from the virus can be detected in milk, it does not signify a public health concern due to the effectiveness of pasteurization.
Research has shown that humans are unlikely to become infected with bird flu through ingestion. The virus primarily targets receptors found in the respiratory tract and eyes, making it difficult for the virus to infect humans through consumption. The instances of human infection from bird flu are rare, with only a few reported cases globally. Government officials emphasize that pasteurized milk is safe for consumption, reiterating the importance of avoiding raw milk products.
In the United States, bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in multiple states, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus. While cases of bird flu in cattle have been mostly mild, the virus has exhibited a capacity to infect various animal species, including cats. The virus has also been found in poultry, causing significant outbreaks and fatalities. Although transmission to humans remains low, experts emphasize the need for vigilance and preventive measures among individuals exposed to infected animals.
There is a possibility that H5N1 could evolve to infect humans more easily, which raises concerns about the potential for a pandemic. Experts highlight the importance of monitoring the virus in food animals, particularly in pigs and sheep, where the virus could adapt more efficiently to human receptors. While H5N1 has infected numerous people globally since its emergence in 1996, it has not yet developed the ability for sustained person-to-person transmission. Ongoing surveillance and protective measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with bird flu infections in animals and humans.
