The US dairy industry is facing a new challenge as traces of the bird flu have been found in one in five retail samples of commercial milk, according to the FDA. The H5N1 avian flu strain, which was first detected in Texas herds in March, has now spread to more than three dozen herds in nine states.
This discovery has raised concerns about potential economic impacts, as the virus can cause a decrease in milk production, affecting the ability to produce fluid milk. In addition, egg producers are on high alert as chickens have tested positive for the virus in multiple states.
While the risk of human infection is low, if the virus continues to spread, it could have significant ecological and economic consequences. The only recent human case of H5N1 in the US was in a dairy worker who only experienced eye redness as a symptom.
Dairy workers are at risk and are on the frontline of surveillance and potential infection. As a precautionary measure, dairy cattle moving between states must now be tested for the virus before crossing state lines. Lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to take swift action to combat the outbreak.
Health agencies and experts emphasize that dairy products are still safe to consume, especially pasteurized milk. Consumer Reports notes that while this outbreak poses a public health concern, the individual risk to consumers who drink pasteurized milk is low.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from no symptoms to severe symptoms, with human-to-human transmission being rare. Cases of patients outside the US dying from the virus have been reported, according to the CDC. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the dairy industry and health officials to work together to prevent further spread of the virus.
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