traces of the H5N1 virus detected in pasteurized milk in the United States

Traces of the H5N1 virus have been detected in pasteurized cow’s milk in the United States, American authorities said on Tuesday April 23. During a large national investigation, viral particles were discovered in “milk from affected animals, in the processing system and on the shelves”, announced the United States Medicines Agency (FDA). Nevertheless, “if a virus is detected in raw milk, pasteurization is generally expected to eliminate pathogens to a level that does not pose a health risk to consumers”she detailed.

In recent weeks, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) has spread among dairy cow herds in the United States. A person with mild symptoms was also infected in early April. Although the H5N1 strain has killed millions of poultry during the current wave, affected cows have not become seriously ill.

“Additional analysis is underway on milk on store shelves across the country, as well as work to assess any potential differentiation for different types of dairy products (e.g. whole milk, cream).”, added the FDA. Avian flu has already been detected in the past in raw milk, the consumption of which has long been discouraged by health authorities.