Bird Flu Found in Unpasteurized Milk
Experiments Confirm Virus Neutralization by Pasteurization
Fragments Detected in Commercial Milk, but No Active Virus
Amidst the ongoing bird flu outbreak, new lab experiments have confirmed that the H5N1 virus can persist for hours in raw milk droplets from infected cows. However, pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, significantly reducing the risk of human infection.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected viral fragments in commercial milk samples but has emphasized that no active virus has been found. This suggests that the pasteurization process is effectively eliminating any potential hazards.
Initial results from milk samples collected from grocery stores indicate that one in five tested positive for viral fragments. However, researchers emphasize the need for continued testing to monitor the presence of H5N1 in the milk supply and ensure the effectiveness of pasteurization.
The way bird flu viruses spread poses a low risk of human exposure through unpasteurized milk. The virus primarily affects poultry and rarely infects humans, making the likelihood of transmission from milk consumption minimal.
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