A recent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu on a Texas dairy farm has raised concerns about the safety of consuming raw cow’s milk. The mysterious illness that affected the cows on the farm also had deadly consequences for the cats that consumed the milk, with over half of them succumbing to the virus.
Research published in Emerging Infectious Diseases has found H5N1 in the organs of the cats, indicating possible cross-species transmission. This marks the first time that the USDA has confirmed H5N1 in a dairy herd, with infections now reported in at least 34 herds across nine states.
The FDA has also detected genetic traces of H5N1 in 20% of commercial milk samples, although pasteurization is expected to destroy the virus. Despite this, the presence of H5N1 in over 200 mammals since 2022 has raised concerns about the virus’s potential adaptation in mammals.
Health officials are warning the public about the dangers of consuming raw cow’s milk, urging increased awareness to prevent infection. While the risk of contracting H5N1 from commercial milk is low due to pasteurization, the recent outbreak underscores the importance of food safety practices to prevent the spread of dangerous viruses like H5N1.
As authorities work to contain the spread of H5N1 on dairy farms and educate the public about the risks of consuming raw milk, it is crucial for individuals to be vigilant about the sources of their dairy products to protect themselves and their families from potential illness.
