Warning: Unpasteurized Milk on Dairy Farms May Pose Bird Flu Risk A recent study has raised concerns about the potential risk of H5N1 bird flu transmission to humans through unpasteurized milk on dairy farms. H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that has been decimating poultry populations worldwide. While human infections are rare, they can be severe and even fatal. The study, published in the journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases,” found that unpasteurized milk from dairy farms with H5N1-infected poultry contained the virus in high levels. Researchers analyzed milk samples collected from 12 farms in Vietnam during an H5N1 outbreak. They detected H5N1 RNA in 67% of the samples from infected farms, compared to none of the samples from farms without infected poultry. The viral load in the milk varied widely, but even low levels could pose a potential infection risk to humans, the study authors noted. Pasteurization, a process that heats milk to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, is widely considered to be an effective way to prevent foodborne illnesses. However, unpasteurized milk is still consumed in some parts of the world, including on dairy farms where it may be used to feed calves or make cheese. The study highlights the need for strict biosecurity measures on dairy farms to prevent the introduction and spread of avian influenza viruses. It also emphasizes the importance of avoiding unpasteurized milk, especially from farms with known or suspected H5N1 infections. Health authorities recommend that people only consume pasteurized milk or milk products to minimize the risk of infection from animal diseases. They also urge farmers to take all necessary precautions to protect their poultry populations and prevent the spread of H5N1 virus. Further research is needed to determine the extent of the risk posed by unpasteurized milk from infected farms and to identify effective mitigation measures. Meanwhile, the study’s findings serve as a timely reminder of the potential hazards of consuming unpasteurized dairy products in areas affected by avian influenza outbreaks.Public health officials are warning of the potential risk of contracting the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (bird flu) from consuming unpasteurized milk from dairy farms where poultry is raised. A recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found that the virus can be present in the milk of infected cows and could potentially infect humans who consume the milk. The study was conducted by researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Animal Health Laboratory Network and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The researchers tested milk samples from 20 dairy farms in the United States that had reported cases of H5N1 infection in their poultry flocks. They found that 10 of the milk samples (50%) contained the virus. The researchers also conducted a risk assessment to estimate the likelihood of human infection with H5N1 virus from consuming unpasteurized milk. They found that the risk is low, but not zero. The risk is highest for people who live on or visit dairy farms where poultry is raised and who consume unpasteurized milk from those farms. The USDA and the CDC are recommending that people avoid consuming unpasteurized milk from dairy farms where poultry is raised. Pasteurization is a process that kills bacteria and viruses in milk by heating it to a high temperature. Pasteurized milk is safe to consume. People who are concerned about the risk of H5N1 infection should talk to their doctor.