The World Health Organization (WHO) reports “very high concentrations” of bird flu detected in milk in the US. The H5N1 strain initially surfaced in 1996. However, since 2020, there has been a surge in bird outbreaks, resulting in the deaths of millions of wild birds and poultry worldwide.
Pasteurised milk, which is prominently sold in supermarkets, is processed to kill harmful bacteria and this makes it relatively safer for intake. Bird flu in raw cow milk The H5N1 infection has also moved to other mammals, cats, humans, bats, foxes, mink and penguins. Cows also recently joined the same group earlier this month.
Pasteurized milk, commonly available in supermarkets, undergoes processing to eliminate harmful bacteria, rendering it safer for consumption. The spread of bird flu to raw cow milk has been observed, with the H5N1 infection also affecting other mammals including cats, humans, bats, foxes, mink, and penguins. Cows have recently been added to this list earlier this month.
As per a report by the UN, H5N1 infections in dairy herds and since then confirmed cases are under investigation in eight states including Texas, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Dakota. US authorities earlier this month said that an individual had tested positive for bird flu after getting exposed to the infection while working at a dairy farm in Texas. The patient was also recovering from bird flu after being exposed to cattle.
The Texas case is noted as the initial instance of human infection by avian influenza transmitted through a cow. During the ongoing outbreaks, transmission from bird to cow, cow to cow, and cow to bird has been registered. This suggests alternative routes of virus transmission beyond previous understanding. Researchers are observing multiple cow herds affected across an increased number of US states.
This shows a further step in virus spillover to mammals. Researchers have noted high concentrations of the virus in raw milk from infected cows. However, experts are still investigating how the virus survives in milk. As per the Texas Health Department, cattle infections do not affect the commercial supply of milk as dairies are required to destroy milk obtained from sick cows.
The process of pasteurisation helps ensure the safety of such foods. In the past 20 years, 887 people have been infected with bird flu and 462 have died. To avoid the infection, it is advised to avoid contact with wild birds like pigeons, seagulls, and swans.