H5N1 Found in Commercial Milk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found H5N1 virus particles in some samples of pasteurized milk. Because the milk is pasteurized, FDA said it remains safe for human consumption as the process kills harmful bacteria and viruses by heating milk to a specific temperature. The agency said it has been evaluating milk from affected animals, in the processing system and on the shelves. It is also completing a large, representative national sample to understand the extent of the findings. FDA will further assess any positive findings through egg inoculation tests, which it says is the gold standard for determining a viable virus.  According to the CDC, antiviral medications typically used to treat seasonal flu are effective against the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

It seems every time we hear the news these days there is a story about the bird flu or H5N1 virus. First, poultry, then dairy cows and now in the milk supply. FDA is following the trail and reassuring consumers that milk is safe to drink. It has to be a little disconcerting for the dairy industry to now realize this is the type of news that could impact consumer confidence and demand. So far, the dairy industry has taken strong steps to eliminate the threat as much and as soon as possible. Let’s hope their efforts and those of USDA, FDA and the CDC are successful. In the meantime, please reach out to dairy and poultry producers and reassure them that you are there to serve their needs with truck purchases, leases, parts or service. A great way to let them know is on AgTruckTrader.com®.