Preliminary test results run by the Food and Drug Administration indicate that pasteurization effectively eliminates the bird flu virus in milk, ensuring the safety of commercial milk products in the United States. The agency found no live, infectious virus in samples tested, reassuring consumers about the safety of the milk supply. Despite some retail milk samples testing positive for avian influenza, further testing confirmed that the virus was not infectious, alleviating concerns about its presence in pasteurized milk.
It was noted that while harmless virus fragments may show up in PCR tests for milk, post-pasteurization, the additional experiments aimed to verify the infectivity of the virus found in the milk. The FDA is conducting thorough testing of retail dairy products, with samples that tested positive undergoing egg inoculation tests to determine the presence of an infectious virus. Although visibly sick cows’ milk is being discarded, there is still a risk that cows may spread the virus through raw milk unknowingly, prompting continued vigilance in monitoring for infected animals entering the dairy supply chain.
Testing of powdered infant formula and toddler formula came back negative for the bird flu virus, indicating that these products are safe for consumption. While the FDA has focused on dairy products, it is unclear if other foods have been tested for the virus, leaving room for further research on the extent of contamination in various food products. The USDA has not detected the virus in beef cattle, but questions remain about the extent of surveillance in retail beef products, adding to the complexity of tracking and containing the outbreak.
Despite only one reported human infection associated with dairy cattle contact, health authorities are emphasizing the importance of monitoring dairy industry workers who may unknowingly be exposed to the virus. While poultry quickly succumb to the H5N1 virus, cows tend to recover after a period of illnesses, leading to continued risks for workers in contact with infected animals. Concerns have been raised about the impact on other animals in the outbreak, with reports of deaths and neurological diseases in cats near dairy farms, suggesting potential transmission through raw milk consumption, a concern that authorities are taking seriously.
Health authorities face challenges in ensuring the safety of dairy industry workers amid the ongoing outbreak, as workers could be exposed to the virus without realizing it. The CDC and other agencies are working to monitor and mitigate risks to workers as the virus continues to impact animal populations. With ongoing surveillance and testing, authorities are aiming to contain the spread of the virus and protect both consumers and industry workers from potential harm. The diligent efforts of regulatory agencies are aimed at safeguarding the food supply chain and preventing further spread of the avian influenza virus in dairy products and beyond, ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.
