The United States Food and Drug Administration has reported that the highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in milk products at a grocery store for the first time.
Although some may find the news of milk testing positive for bird flu alarming, the FDA has played down the finding and stated that more tests will be conducted with results released in the coming days or weeks.
The agency maintains its assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe as of now. said The FDA conveyed this in an advisory.
It is currently unknown how H5N1 is transmitted between animals and how it became virulent among cattle. The virus usually affects birds and is believed to spread from wild birds through nasal discharge and feces. In cattle, the virus is mainly found in milk, leading researchers to think it primarily infects mammary tissue, as per CNN. transmitted The FDA explained in its advisory that although raw milk may be infected with the virus, the pasteurization process is thought to make it inactive. Once neutralized, the viral particles — now supposedly harmless — may remain in pasteurized products, which is what the agency believes was detected during quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing.
The subsequent tests will seek to determine whether the traces of H5N1 found in commercial milk products are viable. They will involve injecting an egg with a positive sample to see if the viral particles reproduce. Though time-consuming, the FDA stated this is the most accurate way to determine if a live virus is present in a product.
Two humans have been diagnosed with H5N1, including one in Texas this year, but researchers argue that the risk to humans remains low, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
However, Dr. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, has suggested that the current outbreak may have a greater impact than what has been communicated by the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture. reported by This was conveyed in an email to CNN.
Avian flu has been discovered in several states, including Texas, this year. Approximately 1.6 million egg-laying hens were euthanized in North Texas in early April after the virus was found in the flock, as previously reported.
It is believed that H5N1 is not fatal in humans or cattle, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not reported any unusual influenza activity in people thus far.
Officials have reassured the public that there is no need for panic but caution against consuming raw milk products and recommend wearing suitable personal protective equipment when working with infected cattle. Infected cattle have reduced appetites and show changes in their milk production. reported by DX.
“The FDA and USDA are working closely to gather and assess additional data and information specific to H5N1 in dairy cattle and to assist state counterparts in managing this emerging disease in dairy cattle,” a statement read. detected from the FDA says. “These important efforts are continuing, and we are dedicated to sharing results as quickly as we can.”
The very first case of highly dangerous avian flu has been found in milk products sold in grocery stores, according to the announcement from the United States Food and Drug Administration. Although the idea of milk testing positive for HPAI viruses like H5N1 or bird flu might worry some people, the FDA has played down the finding, mentioning that more investigation is needed. assured the public there is no reason for panic but warn of the risk associated with consuming raw milk products and advise wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when working with cattle that are infected. Infected cattle have decreased appetites and exhibit changes in their milk production.
“The FDA and USDA are working closely to collect and evaluate additional data and information specific to H5N1 in dairy cattle and to support state counterparts as this emerging disease in dairy cattle is managed,” a statement from the FDA reads. “These important efforts are ongoing, and we are committed to sharing results as soon as possible.”
