Pasteurization seems to break the flu down, but who would have thought bird flu would infect cows?
Commercial milk supply
On April 24, the US FDA announced it found genetic evidence of H5N1 virus in commercially purchased milk samples. The testing, conducted with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cannot distinguish between whole virus or viral fragments. H5N1 viral remnants have also been identified in milk samples by NIAID-funded researchers and a team from Ohio State University. The results indicate the H5N1 outbreak in dairy herds is likely far more widespread than official counts indicate. Preliminary culture tests are so far negative for viable virus in the milk supply, but tests are ongoing.
The FDA and USDA have said that based on currently available information, the US commercial milk supply is safe because it undergoes the pasteurization process and milk from cows known to be sick is diverted from the supply and destroyed. Pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus but not eliminate the presence of viral particles that could be detected using PCR testing. HPAI H5N1 has been found almost exclusively in raw milk in the current outbreak, and the FDA reiterated its longstanding recommendation to avoid its consumption.
Commercial milk supply
On April 24, the US FDA announced it found genetic evidence of H5N1 virus in commercially purchased milk samples. The testing, conducted with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cannot distinguish between whole virus or viral fragments. H5N1 viral remnants have also been identified in milk samples by NIAID-funded researchers and a team from Ohio State University. The results indicate the H5N1 outbreak in dairy herds is likely far more widespread than official counts indicate. Preliminary culture tests are so far negative for viable virus in the milk supply, but tests are ongoing.
The FDA and USDA have said that based on currently available information, the US commercial milk supply is safe because it undergoes the pasteurization process and milk from cows known to be sick is diverted from the supply and destroyed. Pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus but not eliminate the presence of viral particles that could be detected using PCR testing. HPAI H5N1 has been found almost exclusively in raw milk in the current outbreak, and the FDA reiterated its longstanding recommendation to avoid its consumption.
