Results for: H5N1 Virus

The emergence of H5N1 virus in dairy cow herds has raised concerns about a potential influenza pandemic. Global flu vaccine production capacity is inadequate to vaccinate a large portion of the world’s population in the first year of a pandemic. The use of adjuvants could lower vaccine dosage requirements, but adjuvant supply remains a bottleneck. Stockpiled H5N1 vaccines in the US may offer some protection, but their efficacy and availability are uncertain. mRNA vaccines may play a role, but more data is needed to assess their effectiveness and scalability. Equitable distribution of vaccines during a pandemic remains a challenge, with low- and middle-income countries potentially facing limited access.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that samples of pasteurized milk tested positive for remnants of the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has infected dairy cows in recent months. The FDA emphasized that the viral material is inactivated and does not pose a risk to consumers. Officials continue to monitor the situation and conduct further testing. Despite previous assurances, some milk from affected cattle may have entered the commercial supply. However, pasteurization is known to inactivate heat-sensitive viruses like H5N1.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed the detection of genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in commercially purchased pasteurized milk. However, further testing is needed to determine if the virus is viable. The agency remains confident in the safety of commercial milk, as pasteurization is believed to inactivate viruses effectively.