The Food and Drug Administration made a startling announcement this week, revealing that samples of pasteurized milk have tested positive for viral remnants of the bird flu virus. While the agency assured the public that pasteurization is likely to deactivate the virus, there is still a possibility of viral particles remaining in the milk.
This news comes amidst an ongoing outbreak of bird flu among dairy herds in several states, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas. In fact, a person in Texas who worked on a commercial dairy farm recently tested positive for bird flu, marking just the second human case ever reported in the U.S.
The Department of Agriculture has stated that bird flu typically infects wild birds but can spread to other animals, including dairy cattle. There is evidence to suggest that the virus can spread between herds and even back into nearby poultry flocks.
Despite these findings, the FDA maintains that the commercial milk supply is safe for consumption. The agency emphasized the importance of pasteurization in eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses from milk, making it safer for consumers.
To address the issue, federal officials have announced that lactating dairy cattle being moved between states will now have to test negative for the bird flu virus. This measure aims to gather information and prevent the further spread of bird flu among cattle.
While the situation is concerning, officials have not found any changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans. The FDA and Agriculture Department are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of the milk supply.