Federal officials have stated that the risk to the public is low despite the Food and Drug Administration’s discovery that commercially available milk tested positive for traces of bird flu. This finding comes as the country faces an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza among dairy cows, with cases reported in at least eight states. The disease, known for its high contagion and fatality rates in avian populations, has even infected a human who came into contact with sick animals.
While there is genetic material from the virus present in retail milk, tests indicate that the virus is not infectious. Experts assure the public that the commercial milk supply remains safe. Pasteurization, a process used to kill harmful bacteria and viruses in milk, may leave behind genetic material from the virus, but it does not pose a threat. The FDA is conducting further tests to confirm the safety of the milk supply.
Consumers are reassured that milk with traces of bird flu is still safe to drink, as any milk from infected cows is discarded before entering the human food supply. Interstate commerce regulations require all milk to be pasteurized, reducing the risk of transmission. Efforts are also being made to prevent the spread of the virus, including testing dairy cows before they can be moved across state lines.
Vocabulary List:
- outbreak (noun): Sudden occurrence or increase of something negative.
- pathogenic (adjective): Capable of causing disease.
- avian (adjective): Relating to birds.
- contagion (noun): Spread of disease through direct or indirect contact.
- fatality (noun): Deathespecially in accidents or disasters.
- pasteurization (noun): Process of treating foodespecially milkwith heat to destroy harmful microorganisms.
