Avian influenza outbreak in U.S. dairy cows is having an impact Herd of 20 or more Just weeks after the nation’s largest egg producer was discovered in eight states. virus Inside the chicken.
Health officials have stressed that the risk to the public is low and that the U.S. food supply is safe and stable.
“At this time, there remains no concern that this situation poses a risk to consumer health or impacts the safety of interstate commercial milk supplies,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.
Here’s what you need to know about bird flu and food.
In which state has avian influenza been found in dairy cows?
As of Friday, Avian influenza Birds that have killed millions of wild birds have been found in at least 26 dairy herds in recent years. 8 US states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota.
This virus, known as H5N1 type A, is mammal range According to federal health and animal officials, this is the first time the bacteria has been found in cattle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said genetic analysis of the virus does not show it has changed to make it more transmissible to humans.
How does avian influenza affect food production?
Agriculture related people at least 17 states The United States has restricted imports of dairy cows from states where the virus has been detected, but so far government agencies say it has had little impact on commercial milk production.Officials believe the cow likely became infected through contact with wild birds, but said cow-to-cow transmission is possible. “It cannot be excluded.”
Farmers are testing cows that show signs of infection, such as a sudden drop in milk production or lack of energy. Animals that show signs of illness or test positive are isolated from other animals on the farm. The animal appears to recover within two weeks.
U.S. egg producers are closely monitoring the situation following the outbreak of bird flu. It was detected in chickens in Texas and Michigan. Millions of birds have been killed, FDA said The risk of affected eggs reaching the retail market or causing human infection is low due to federal testing and other safety measures.
Does pasteurization kill bird flu?
Scientists say there is no evidence to suggest that people can contract the virus by consuming pasteurized, heat-treated or properly prepared food.
“This is not a food safety concern,” said Lee Ann Jacas, a virologist and food microbiologist emeritus at North Carolina State University.
Two people have been infected with bird flu in the United States so far. dairy workers in texas A man who had been in close contact with infected cattle recently developed a mild eye infection but has since recovered. Prison inmates in work programs in 2022 captured While slaughtering infected birds at a poultry farm in Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue and he recovered.
Is grocery store milk safe from bird flu?
According to food safety experts and government officials, yes.
Producers in the United States are prohibited from selling milk from sick cows and must divert and dispose of the milk. In addition, milk sold across state lines must be pasteurized or heat treated using a process that kills bacteria and viruses, including influenza.
“We strongly believe that pasteurization provides safe milk,” Tracy Forfa, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, told a webinar audience this week.
Is raw milk safe from bird flu?
The FDA and CDC say they are less certain about unpasteurized and raw milk sold in many states and have limited information about the potential for transmitting the H5N1 virus from such products. ing.
So far, no cows infected with avian influenza have been reported from herds associated with raw milk suppliers, but government officials have urged the industry to It is recommended not to manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk cheese products that have been contaminated. Cow.
U.S. health officials have long warned about the risk of food poisoning associated with raw milk, but the CDC said food poisoning causes more than that. 200 outbreaks More than 2,600 people were affected between 1998 and 2018.
Still, raw milk advocates like Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm USA in Fresno, Calif., say that despite federal warnings, outbreaks of H5N1 infections in commercial cows have led to increased sales of the product. He said that it seems to be accelerating.
Can you get avian influenza from eggs or meat?
Agriculture officials say only dairy cows, not beef cattle, have been infected or showing signs of disease so far.
The largest egg producer in the United States temporarily suspended operations on April 2nd after avian influenza was detected in its chickens. Calmaine Foods culled approximately 1.6 million egg-laying hens and an additional 337,000 hens after the discovery.
The company said there is no risk to eggs on the market and there are no egg recalls.
Barbara Kowalczyk, director of the Center for Food Safety and Nutritional Security at George Washington University, said eggs that are properly handled and thoroughly cooked are safe to eat.
“A lot of people like runny eggs. Personally, when I eat eggs, they’re very well-cooked,” she said.
Still, Kowalczyk and others warned that the situation could change.
“This is a new problem and obviously this pathogen is evolving and there’s a lot we don’t know,” she said. “I think everyone is trying to figure it out as quickly as possible.”
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Education Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.
Jonelle Alecia, Associated Press