Amidst concerns over a bird flu outbreak affecting U.S. dairy cows and chickens, questions arise regarding the safety of milk, eggs, and other food products. Here’s what you need to know:
Which States Are Affected by Bird Flu in Dairy Cows? The bird flu strain H5N1 has been detected in over two dozen dairy herds across eight U.S. states, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and South Dakota. This marks the first instance of the virus affecting cattle, posing new challenges for health and animal agencies.
How Does Bird Flu Affect Food Production? While restrictions on dairy cattle imports have been imposed in several states, commercial milk production remains largely unaffected. Cows may have been infected through exposure to wild birds, prompting heightened surveillance and testing measures among farmers.
Is Pasteurized Milk Safe? Health officials affirm that pasteurization effectively eliminates viruses like bird flu, ensuring the safety of milk sold in grocery stores. Strict regulations dictate the handling and distribution of milk, minimizing risks to consumers.
What About Raw Milk? The safety of raw milk remains a topic of debate. While there have been no reported cases of bird flu in herds linked to raw milk providers, caution is advised. Health agencies recommend against the production and sale of raw milk products from potentially infected cows.
Can Bird Flu Spread Through Eggs or Meat? While dairy cows have shown signs of infection, beef cattle remain unaffected. Although a major egg producer temporarily halted operations due to bird flu detection, properly handled and cooked eggs pose minimal risk to consumers.
Stay Informed As the situation evolves, ongoing research and surveillance efforts aim to provide clarity on food safety implications. While current measures assure the safety of most food products, vigilance and adherence to food safety guidelines remain paramount.
