Caution urged as bird flu spreads among cattle and dairy workers

May 08, 2024 - In a recent development concerning the spread of bird flu, the FDA has confirmed that the virus, discovered in approximately one in five samples of grocery store milk, is effectively inactivated by pasteurization. This reassuring finding underscores the safety of the commercial milk supply, as pasteurization is a standard sterilizing process used on more than 99% of milk sold commercially. 

The FDA's announcement follows concerns raised by the detection of bird flu particles in milk samples, prompting further testing to assess potential risks. While genetic remnants of the virus were found in some samples, subsequent investigations revealed that pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, rendering the milk safe for consumption. 

However, health officials caution against consuming raw, unpasteurized milk, as it bypasses the germ-killing process and may pose health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of dairy products, particularly amid the current bird flu outbreak. 

The recent outbreak of bird flu, clinically known as influenza A (H5N1), has raised concerns as cases among cattle and dairy workers continue to emerge. The CDC has requested states to prepare for potential increases in bird flu cases and has urged vigilance among dairy farm workers, who are at heightened risk of exposure. 

The following statistical highlights reveal the extent of the bird flu outbreak, with confirmed cases among dairy cattle herds in multiple states and ongoing surveillance efforts by the CDC and USDA: 

• The one confirmed human case of bird flu in the United States involves a dairy worker in Texas, where the virus has been spreading among cattle. 
• Dairy cattle herds have also been infected in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Dakota. 
• The CDC has tested at least 30 people for bird flu and monitored at least 220 for symptoms. 
• The USDA has confirmed 12 infected dairy cattle herds in Texas, four in Kansas, eight in New Mexico, six in Michigan, two in Idaho, and one each in Colorado, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Dakota. 
• Cases in birds in New York City parks and green spaces have also been confirmed by researchers. 
• Since 2020, there have been 26 cases of bird flu in humans confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), seven of which have been fatal. 
• Colombia has become the first country to restrict the importation of beef and beef products from U.S. states with infected herds. 

While the risk to the general public remains low, the CDC has advised precautionary measures, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to at-risk individuals and enhanced surveillance efforts. State health departments have been tasked with ensuring the availability of bird flu tests and maintaining close coordination with veterinary and agriculture authorities. 

The USDA has implemented measures to contain the spread of bird flu, including testing cattle for infection and monitoring ground beef from affected states. Efforts to mitigate the impact on the food supply are also underway, with concerns over potential price increases for eggs and milk. 

While pasteurization effectively neutralizes the bird flu virus in milk, continued vigilance and preventive measures are essential to mitigate the spread of the infection among animals and humans alike. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, health professionals, and the agricultural industry are crucial in safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain amidst evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases.