Bird Flu Spreading Among Dairy Herds and Raw Milk Under Inspection
The spread of Bird Flu among dairy herds is a growing concern, leading to increased inspections of raw milk. At least 58 dairy cattle herds in nine states have been infected, along with two humans. Tests conducted by the USDA have detected the virus in unpasteurized milk.
Despite the federal government advising against the consumption of raw milk, it remains widely available in many states. A recent report from NPR revealed that some farms selling unpasteurized raw milk declined to have their supply tested after reporters purchased samples and sent them in for testing. The first cases of Bird Flu in cows were detected in Texas, and it has since been found in more than a dozen herds.
When these farmers refused to allow the USDA-approved lab to test their milk for H5N1, the lab also refused to conduct the test. The lab reached out to the farms to request authorization for milk research. According to Brandon Dominguez, head of the Veterinary Services department at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, the farms were aware of the implications of a nonnegative test on their business and requested that the test not be conducted.
Another reason why the Texas A&M lab couldn’t test the milk was because the reporters had not provided the farms’ premise identification numbers. Amy Swinford, the lab’s director, clarified that this was in response to NPR reporting that farm consent was not required to test milk samples for avian flu. The reporters had included farm license numbers when submitting the samples for testing, but such numbers are private.
Raw milk advocates and opponents continue to fiercely debate the topic without concrete evidence. While the dangers are high and the transfer of Bird Flu from dairy cows to humans remains unknown, public health and academic experts recommend taking precautionary measures.
Don Prater, the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s chief, emphasized the effectiveness of pasteurization in inactivating the virus. He advised against the consumption of raw milk or raw milk products made from milk obtained from sick cows, including those infected with avian influenza. Raw milk and unpasteurized milk should not be consumed.
Although raw milk is easily obtainable in Texas, it is not recommended. It can be purchased directly from raw milk dairies’ farmhouse stoops or even at certain fitness clubs in Austin. However, the milk has never undergone the process of boiling to kill bacteria and other microbes.
Cheryl Masraum, who bought raw milk from Stryk Jersey Farm near Schulenburg, Texas, expressed her concern about the bird flu outbreak. She believed that the threat was not significant in her area and preferred the taste and quality of raw milk. Masraum is among the rare group of dedicated raw milk drinkers in America, as a FDA survey indicates that only 1.6% of American adults consume unpasteurized milk.
The recent Bird Flu outbreak in dairy animals has led federal health experts to advise against the consumption of raw milk. Public health authorities have long warned about the risks associated with consuming raw milk due to the presence of pathogenic germs. Pasteurization effectively eliminates or deactivates bacteria.
While it is unlikely for Bird Flu to spread through raw milk, Don Prater mentioned during a news conference that there are limited studies showing infectivity related to this virus and raw milk products.
As for the amount of Bird Flu present in milk, the FDA conducted a survey and found virus particles in 20% of pasteurized samples from grocery stores. However, tests confirmed that these viral particles were unable to infect anyone.
According to current hypotheses, the disease is spreading among herds through diseased cows. It is believed that H5N1 has spread from birds to Texas dairy cows by 2023. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the transportation of cattle from Texas to other states has created problems in those states.
The USDA’s objective is to contain the spread of the virus and eventually eliminate it from specific herds. This is being achieved by requiring cows to test negative for the virus before being transported across state lines.
In conclusion, Bird Flu remains a significant concern in dairy herds, necessitating inspections of raw milk. While raw milk is readily available in many states, its consumption is strongly advised against due to the risks associated with pathogenic germs. The presence of Bird Flu in raw milk is still being studied, but the virus particles found in pasteurized samples from grocery stores were proven to be noninfectious. Efforts are being made to contain the spread of the virus among herds and prevent its transmission across state lines.