The virus spread to cattle in multiple states

Janet Buffer, in collaboration with the Food Policy Research Institute Milken Institute School of Public Health Researchers at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., say consumers do not need to worry about the avian influenza virus or other viruses or bacteria when consuming pasteurized milk or dairy products made from pasteurized milk. , he said.

“Milk that enters the food system is tested and pasteurized to ensure it is safe for human consumption,” Buffer told Healthline. Pasteurization kills viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms in milk without changing the milk's taste, appearance, or nutritional value.

Additionally, milk from sick cows is diverted or discarded to keep it out of the food supply, the USDA wrote.

“The concern is when raw milk is purchased and consumed,” Buffer said.

The sale of raw milk, also known as unpasteurized milk, regulated by each state. Many states have declared the sale of raw milk illegal, while others allow it with conditions.

raw milk They may contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, campylobacter, or other harmful microorganisms. Raw milk is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

The USDA said in a statement that federal and state agencies are conducting additional testing, including viral genomic testing. This will allow us to better understand which strains of avian influenza viruses are involved in these cases.

Initial genetic testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory found no changes in the virus that would make it more susceptible to infection. “[This] This would indicate that the current risk to the public remains low,” the USDA wrote.

This is the first time HPAI has been detected in dairy cows and the second time it has been detected in ruminants, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced in a March 25 paper. press release.

Ruminants are animals that chew the cud and include cows, goats, and sheep.

AMVA President Dr. Lena Carlson said, “The first detection of HPAI in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas is a sign of compliance with biosecurity measures, vigilance in disease surveillance, and the need to recognize when something seems 'off.' “This highlights the importance of seeking immediate veterinary attention.” release.

The USDA said in a release that on dairy farms with symptomatic herds, an average of about 10% of each affected herd is affected. Very few cows die from infectious diseases.

It added: “So far, milk production losses from symptomatic cows have been limited enough to significantly impact supply and should not impact the price of milk or other dairy products.” says the ministry.

of Avian influenza Avian influenza is a disease of birds caused by infection with type A virus. These viruses occur naturally in wild waterfowl, but can infect poultry such as chickens.

Avian influenza A viruses fall into two categories.

• Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI): The most common type, it does not cause any signs of disease or mild illness in chickens or other poultry.
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): It can cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry.

Some avian influenza viruses can also spread to: livestock Not only dogs and cats, but also wild mammals.

avian influenza virus usually not infecting humans, but it is rarely possible. Infections in people can range from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to severe symptoms that can lead to death. The avian influenza viruses that cause the most infections in humans are H7N9 and H5N1.

“Viruses that jump from one species to another are always a concern.” Darin Detwilerthe food safety advocate and associate professor at Northeastern University told Healthline.

“This 'flu' killed huge numbers of birds and affected the availability and cost of food.”

From 2019 to 2022, the global avian influenza pandemic resulted in the loss of 40 million domestic birds and an economic cost of $2.5 billion to $3 billion, according to a nonprofit industry report. fair.

While pasteurization protects consumers from ingesting harmful pathogens found in milk and dairy products, Buffa said they should use caution when near livestock or wildlife. This reduces the risk of contracting diseases transmitted by those animals.

“When interacting with animals such as cows, chickens, sheep, and goats, always avoid touching your face with your hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth,” she said. wash hands After coming into contact with an animal or its surroundings. ”

symptoms Avian influenza infections in humans include:

• Redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
• pneumonia
• heat
• muscle pain or body aches
• headache
• Malaise
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Milk samples taken from sick cows at two dairy farms in Kansas and one dairy farm in Texas tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, also known as the “avian influenza” virus. Ta. Cows at another Texas dairy also tested positive.

Agriculture Department officials said there were no concerns about the safety of the commercial milk supply due to the cow disease. Milk from affected animals is diverted or discarded to keep it out of the food supply. Milk is also pasteurized, which kills viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

Avian influenza viruses occur naturally in wild waterfowl, but can also infect poultry and other poultry. These viruses can also infect mammals such as domestic dogs and cats. In rare cases, people can become infected and experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.