Paris: The recent detection of bird flu virus traces in pasteurized cow milk in the United States has raised concerns about the potential for human transmission. However, experts assure that the risk of infection through food contamination is minimal.
Authorities in the US revealed on Tuesday that traces of the bird flu virus were found in the supply of cow milk as part of a comprehensive study. Despite this discovery, experts believe that the detected samples are unlikely to pose any health threat to humans.
Key Points:
- A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak has affected dairy cattle herds across the US, with one reported case of human infection showing mild symptoms.
- While the H5N1 strain of HPAI has caused significant poultry fatalities in the ongoing outbreak, affected cows have not exhibited severe illness.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified viral particles in milk samples from affected animals, in the processing system, and on shelves during a national survey. However, these samples underwent testing using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which detects remnants of the virus’s genetic material. The heat from pasteurization effectively inactivated the virus itself.
- The H5N1 strain of bird flu first emerged in 1996, with a notable increase in contaminated bird populations since 2020. Surprisingly, both cows and goats have recently been added to the list of susceptible animals, raising concerns among experts.
- According to Jean-Claude Manuguerra from the Pasteur Institute in Paris, a new H5N1 virus in the US has rapidly multiplied in cows’ udders, although infected cows have not shown severe symptoms.
- Despite concerns, experts suggest that the risk of a widespread pandemic resulting from the transmission of the bird flu virus to humans remains low.
- Bruno Lina, a virologist at a hospital in Lyon, France, emphasizes that although the presence of virus traces in cow milk raises some concerns, the risk is minimal, especially considering pasteurization’s efficacy in destroying the virus.
- While some countries, like France, favor raw milk products, experts highlight that strict sanitary controls are in place to mitigate risks.
- The latest virus strain found in the US differs from those circulating in Europe, and there have been no reported H5N1 infections in French cows.
- While vigilance is essential due to the rapid mutation potential of these viruses, consumers are advised not to be overly concerned about the situation.
