Overview

• In recent months, genetic traces of the H5N1 bird flu virus have been found in a significant percentage of U.S. commercial milk products, indicating possible asymptomatic infections in dairy cows.
• Pasteurization processes have successfully inactivated the virus in milk, confirming the safety of pasteurized dairy products currently on the market.
• Wastewater analysis in Texas shows high concentrations of H5N1, suggesting widespread contamination from dairy processing facilities.
• Federal regulations now require testing of lactating dairy cattle before interstate travel, aiming to prevent further spread of the virus.
• Scientists express concerns about the potential for the virus to mutate, which could increase the risk of transmission to humans.