FDA Detects Bird Flu Viruses in Pasteurized Milk; Assures Safety for Consumption
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that traces of bird flu viruses were detected in some samples of pasteurized milk amidst an ongoing epidemic affecting avian and cattle livestock across the United States. However, the agency emphasized that the virus in this form does not pose a threat to human health. The FDA is conducting extensive testing on egg and milk production to ensure their safety from the virus, with results from ongoing safety studies expected soon.
Following the potential global threat from bird flu, the FDA increased testing of domestic milk supplies and discovered inactive remnants of the virus in some testing samples. The agency clarified that these bird flu particles were killed during the pasteurization process, which involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period to ensure its safety.
“To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe,” the FDA stated in their announcement. The agency continues to issue warnings against consuming raw eggs and milk, emphasizing the safety of pasteurization and heat-treating processes used in store-purchased products.
Bird Flu Virus Found in Dairy Cows Across Eight States
The virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been found in dairy cows in eight states so far, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and South Dakota. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported on Monday that the virus has been confirmed in 33 dairy herds across these states since it was first identified on March 25.
In dairy cattle, HPAI is much milder compared to its impact on poultry, with symptoms including loss of appetite, reduced milk production, lethargy, and fever, most often among older cows. Affected cattle typically recover within a couple of weeks.
Nearly 91 million birds in domestic U.S. flocks, primarily egg-laying chickens and turkeys raised for human consumption, have died in outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since February 2022, according to USDA data.
Limited Human Infections and Ongoing Surveillance
Despite the presence of the virus in dairy cows, only two people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu. One of these cases was a Texas dairy worker who recovered after experiencing minor symptoms earlier this month. Authorities maintain that the risk of H5N1 to the public is low, and surveillance efforts will continue to monitor any potential evolution of the virus that could increase its ability to spread more easily.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that antiviral medications used against seasonal flu would be effective against the H5N1 bird flu virus that also infects dairy cattle. The FDA, USDA, and CDC, along with state partners, are working diligently to investigate the outbreak and ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system.
The agencies are collaborating closely to monitor for any unusual trends in flu-like illness, flu, or conjunctivitis. To date, no such trends have been observed.
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Milk Safety
As the situation continues to evolve, the FDA, USDA, and CDC remain committed to sharing results as soon as possible and emphasize that based on currently available information, the commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption.
The FDA stressed that while milk samples tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus, the material is inactivated and does not represent an actual risk to consumers. The agency is conducting extensive testing on egg and milk production to ensure their safety from the virus, with results from ongoing safety studies expected soon.
The agencies are working together to investigate the outbreak and ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system. They maintain that the pasteurization process, which has been in place for over a century, effectively eliminates pathogens and ensures the safety of dairy products.
Agencies Committed to Public Health and Safety
The detection of bird flu viruses in pasteurized milk samples has raised concerns among consumers, but the FDA, USDA, and CDC have assured the public that the commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption. The agencies are working together to investigate the outbreak and monitor any potential risks to human health.
As the situation continues to develop, the agencies remain committed to sharing results and keeping the public informed. They emphasize the importance of pasteurization and heat-treating processes in ensuring the safety of dairy products and advise against consuming raw eggs and milk.
