The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected fragments of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly known as bird flu, in some samples of milk. The discovery came as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to the spread of HPAI in the country.
Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, the FDA identified the presence of viral fragments in the milk samples. However, the agency emphasizes that these fragments are not infectious and pose no increased risk to human health.
According to the FDA, pasteurization, the process of heating milk to a specific temperature to kill bacteria and other microorganisms, is likely to inactivate the HPAI virus. However, it does not remove the presence of viral particles.
The FDA and other agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continue to monitor the situation and conduct studies to assess the potential risks associated with the presence of HPAI viral fragments in milk. Currently, the risk to the general population is considered low, and the commercial milk supply remains safe due to pasteurization and other safety measures.
The FDA has advised against consuming raw milk or products made with raw milk, as these may contain viruses or bacteria that can lead to infection or foodborne illness. Twenty states explicitly prohibit raw milk sales in some form, and milk that travels across state lines must be pasteurized according to federal regulations.
The detection of HPAI viral fragments in milk highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts to safeguard public health. The FDA and other agencies will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
