Canada increases surveillance and tests milk for H5N1 avian flu in response to U.S. dairy cattle outbreak

Canada Expands Surveillance for Avian Flu in Dairy Cattle Amid U.S. Outbreak

Federal officials in Canada have announced an expansion of surveillance efforts for a dangerous form of avian flu, known as H5N1, following a growing outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle. The monitoring will now include testing of milk being sold on store shelves, as concerns rise over the spread of the virus.

Leading Canadian researchers have raised questions about the country’s response to the virus, especially after viral fragments were found in processed milk in the U.S. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reassured the public that commercially sold milk and milk products are safe to consume, as they go through pasteurization before being sold.

The CFIA has now announced enhanced testing of milk at the retail level to detect any viral fragments that could indicate cases in dairy cattle in Canada. While there have been no human cases reported in Canada so far, millions of birds, including poultry on Canadian farms, have been infected by the virus.

Experts have commended the CFIA for taking more action to prevent the spread of H5N1. Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist, emphasized the importance of active surveillance to contain the emerging threat. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist, called the announcement a step in the right direction but highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to case detection.

With avian influenza reported in 36 dairy cattle herds across nine U.S. states and one human case linked to the outbreaks, officials are closely monitoring the situation to protect Canada’s food supply and livestock. The surveillance measures will complement existing efforts to protect human health and prevent the further spread of the virus.