Bird flu detected in five percent of pasteurized milk samples across the US

One in five samples of pasteurized milk tested across the United States contained remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected dairy cows, according to U.S. public health officials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed these findings as part of a “nationally representative commercial milk sampling,” noting that greater proportions were discovered in areas where infected herds resided nearly a month after avian influenza viruses emerged amongst both wild birds and farm animals across several states, infecting millions. Health officials maintain the milk supply remains safe for consumption despite the presence of such particles since they are likely to have been remnants from dead virus killed during pasteurization processes that heat milk to specific temperatures before being sold commercially as it destroys bacterial contamination and viruses alike. The FDA is currently performing more in-depth tests, known as egg inoculation tests, which inject the samples into eggs for viability testing; however, these take longer than other methods of testing since they determine whether any active or infectious virus remains within milk products sold to consumers at grocery stores. Only dairy cows have been infected with bird flu so far and not beef cattle as agriculture officials continue monitoring the situation closely. The USDA advises that properly prepared poultry, including eggs, are safe for consumption after being handled and cooked correctly; however, proper food safety practices remain crucial in preventing viruses or bacteria from spreading through improper handling of such products before they reach consumers’ plates.