Title: The Unseen Threat of H5N1 Bird Flu in Dairy Products
Lead: The recent discovery of H5N1 bird flu in milk and dairy products raises concerns about the potential health risks for consumers. While human cases have been rare, the presence of the virus in these products suggests that asymptomatic cows may be spreading it unknowingly.
Paragraph 1: Since March 2024, H5N1 bird flu cases have been reported in dairy cattle across several states. Initially, tainted milk was believed to be easily identifiable due to noticeable changes in color and consistency. However, recent studies reveal that many more animals are likely being infected without showing symptoms or altering their milk production.
Paragraph 2: Viral fragments from H5N1 have been found in nearly 40% of commercial milk products tested, as well as in wastewater near dairy processing plants. These findings suggest that a significant number of subclinically infected cows are producing virus-laced milk.
Paragraph 3: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been asking farmers to discard any milk from infected animals, but the presence of H5N1 in such a large percentage of commercial products raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures. Public health officials emphasize that the food supply remains safe despite these findings.
Background: Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a naturally occurring illness that primarily affects wild birds. The current strain circulating globally is H5N1, which has infected over 48 mammal species including tigers, leopards, domestic cats and dogs, minks, pigs, seals, donkeys, horses and cows.
Paragraph 4: Two cases of bird flu in humans have been reported in the US since 2022. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu. Scientists at the University of Arizona discovered that a spillover into cows likely occurred in December, but only one human infection was reported among over 6,000 people exposed between 2022 and 2023.
Conclusion: The discovery of H5N1 bird flu in milk and dairy products highlights the need for increased vigilance and transparency in the food industry. While human cases have been rare, the potential health risks associated with asymptomatic cows producing virus-laced milk cannot be ignored. Further research is needed to understand the extent of this issue and to develop effective measures for preventing its spread.
