Bird Flu presence in 20 percent of US milk samples

By Farms.com

The FDA recently revealed that bird flu has been detected in about one in five milk samples collected from grocery stores, highlighting an ongoing issue within the U.S. dairy sector. This discovery is part of a larger study aimed at understanding the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza across dairy herds now confirmed in nine states, including a newly reported case in Colorado.

Despite the presence of the virus in milk samples, the FDA emphasizes that all dairy products remain safe for public consumption. This confidence stems from findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of pasteurization in killing the virus. No bird flu was detected in tests of retail powdered infant formula, further supporting the safety of dairy products under current processing standards.

The FDA is continuing its surveillance by analyzing nearly 300 retail dairy product samples from 38 states. The goal is to provide ongoing reassurance to the public about the safety of their food supply, particularly in light of the avian influenza outbreak.

To enhance control measures, the U.S. government has implemented stricter testing requirements for dairy cows transported across state lines and requires electronic identification for certain livestock. These steps are designed to quickly identify and contain any outbreaks, thereby ensuring the integrity of the nation’s dairy products.

As research continues, the FDA is committed to updating the public and ensuring the highest standards of food safety are maintained during this outbreak.