Federal officials reassured the public that the risk remains low after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported finding traces of bird flu in commercially available milk. The announcement comes as a national outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed among dairy cows in at least eight states. The disease, which is highly contagious and often fatal in avian populations, has also affected humans who had contact with infected animals.
Government officials and experts have stated that there is no evidence of an infectious virus in pasteurized milk. The FDA conducted tests on retail milk and detected genetic material from the virus. However, efforts to grow the virus from these samples showed that it was not infectious. Despite this, the FDA assured consumers that the commercial milk supply is safe.
Experts explain that while pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses in milk, some genetic material may still remain. In the case of bird flu, tests indicate that the virus was previously present but is no longer infectious.
The FDA will continue to evaluate milk samples using advanced testing methods to determine the presence of viable virus. Consumers have been reassured that it is still safe to drink milk, as any milk from infected cows is disposed of before entering the food supply. Pasteurization is known to effectively inactivate heat-sensitive viruses like H5N1, and studies have shown that it can also inactivate bird flu in eggs.
To contain the outbreak, the USDA has implemented measures to prevent the spread of bird flu among dairy cows, including mandatory testing before interstate movement. While the virus is not transmitted through food, efforts are focused on protecting individuals who come into close contact with infected animals.
In conclusion, while traces of bird flu have been found in milk, experts maintain that it is safe for consumption, and measures are in place to ensure the safety of the dairy supply chain.
Vocabulary List:
- Reassured (verb): To restore confidence and remove doubts or fears.
- Traces (noun): Tiny amounts or marks left behind.
- Outbreak (noun): Sudden increase in the incidence of a disease.
- Pathogenic (adjective): Causing or capable of causing disease.
- Contagious (adjective): Easily spread from one person to another.
- Infectious (adjective): Capable of causing infection.