FDA’s Bold Move To Combat Bird Flu Outbreak
The FDA has recently issued a call to action for states to bolster their measures in safeguarding the populace against the hazards associated with raw milk amidst an escalating avian flu crisis affecting dairy cattle. They have specifically advocated for more stringent screening of herds involved in the production of raw milk for commercial purposes and advised states to utilize their regulatory authority to suspend the sale of raw milk in regions where dairy herds have tested positive for the virus. This directive comes on the heels of Minnesota reporting its 10th infected herd, bringing the nationwide tally to 82 affected herds.
The concern surrounding raw milk stems from its potential to harbor elevated concentrations of the H5N1 avian flu virus, believed to infect cows via their mammary glands. While it remains unclear whether the consumption of contaminated milk can transmit avian flu to humans, reports have surfaced of cats on afflicted farms succumbing after consuming raw milk, alongside three dairy workers contracting the virus. These incidents underscore the potential hazards linked to the consumption of raw milk.
Dr. Don Prater, at the forefront of the FDA’s response to the H5N1 outbreak, stressed the imperative of collaborative endeavors to mitigate the risks posed by the virus to public health, livestock, and wildlife. The FDA is further advocating that any raw milk or its by-products from exposed cattle, used as feed for calves or other animals, undergo heat treatment or pasteurization to mitigate risks.
Beyond issuing stern advisories regarding the perils of raw milk consumption, the FDA has committed to disseminating fresh research and data on the presence of the avian flu virus in raw milk and its derivatives. This underscores the agency’s dedication to furnishing updated information to aid in the management of the outbreak and alleviate its repercussions on public health and safety.
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