H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in U.S. Dairy Cattle, Raising Concerns Over Public Health and Food Safety

Recent studies reveal widespread presence of H5N1 in dairy products and wastewater, though pasteurization has been effective in neutralizing the virus.

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.