Additional Coverage:
- Bird flu particles were found in pasteurized milk. A former surgeon general says he isn’t changing what he eats. (newsbreak.com)
**Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Poultry: Milk Samples Test Positive for H5N1 Virus**
In a startling revelation, the United States is grappling with an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, that has now been detected not only in chickens and cattle but also in grocery store milk. This has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to enter the human food chain, despite assurances from health and food safety experts that the risk to consumers remains low.
Dr. Jerome Adams, a former U.S.
Surgeon General, has weighed in on the situation, reinforcing his confidence in the safety of dairy and meat products. “I continue to consume milk, eggs, and meat without hesitation,” remarked Dr.
Adams, echoing the sentiments of experts who believe that standard food processing methods significantly mitigate the risk of transmission.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed the discovery of H5N1 virus particles in milk samples from affected farms.
However, the agency is quick to reassure the public that these findings do not translate to an immediate risk for individuals consuming dairy products. The virus, according to the FDA, should be inactivated by the pasteurization process—a widely employed method designed to eliminate pathogens in milk.
Amid rising concerns over the possibility of the virus shifting towards human-to-human transmission, experts underscore the efficacy of pasteurization and cooking in neutralizing most bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, milk from cows diagnosed with the bird flu is being discarded, ensuring that the commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption.
The federal government has ramped up its testing efforts to continuously verify the safety of milk, citing studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of pasteurization in deactivating H5N1, particularly in eggs. This brings additional reassurance regarding the overall safety of dairy products amid the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
In light of these developments, health authorities have issued guidance recommending that consumers fully cook meat and eggs as a precautionary measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified individuals working closely with livestock as the most susceptible group to contracting the bird flu, urging heightened safety measures in agricultural settings.
As the situation unfolds, the concerted efforts of government agencies, health experts, and the agricultural industry aim to contain the outbreak while ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply.