In light of the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) bird flu outbreak affecting North American dairy cattle, a new CDC report concluded that the risk of contracting bird flu from raw milk and dairy is “low, but theoretically possible.”
According to a pre-publication version of a study conducted by Cornell University and backed by FDA, aging raw milk cheese may not be effective at eliminating the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus. However, adequate heat treating or pH 5.0 conditions could be effective.
USDA has announced the availability of financial investments to combat the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreak, including $500 million for farm biosecurity and $100 million for the development of chicken vaccines and other therapeutics.
A partisan letter signed by 85 members of Congress has been sent to President Trump, expressing concerns about the communications freeze ordered for public health agencies like CDC and FDA, especially in light of the ongoing avian influenza H5N1 outbreak.
According to multiple sources, FDA is looking to reinstate staffers who were fired by the presidential administration last week, including at least ten people who are responsible for reviewing the safety of food ingredients. USDA is also working to rehire terminated employees responsible for avian influenza response.
The results of an FDA retail survey have been published, showing that pasteurization effectively inactivates avian influenza in dairy products other than milk, such as butter, ice cream, and cheese. USDA analyzed the samples collected by FDA.
Field studies led by Wageningen University have demonstrated the efficacy of two vaccines in reducing mortality in poultry infected with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, although it is too early to draw accurate conclusions about transmission.
Acidification can inactivate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1), a.k.a. “bird flu,” in milk, according to a UC Davis study. The finding is especially relevant to farmers, who often do not pasteurize waste milk.
As a result of Nevada state tracing and investigation following positive silo testing results under USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, USDA laboratories have confirmed through whole genome sequencing the first detection of a second genotype of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in dairy cattle.
A joint scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) includes recommended strategies for the food animal sector to prevent the spread of avian influenza and its transmission to humans.
