Health officials in California have made a concerning discovery of bird flu virus in raw milk for sale in a store in the state. This finding has raised alarms among scientists who have been closely monitoring the ongoing outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows. The implications of consuming H5N1-laced milk on human health are currently unknown, but the presence of the virus in raw milk is a significant cause for concern.
Studies have shown that milk directly from infected cows contains high levels of the H5N1 virus. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that consuming raw milk with the virus can lead to severe illness in certain animal models. Additionally, there have been reports of dead cats on farms where cows were infected with H5N1. This highlights the potential risks associated with consuming milk contaminated with the virus.
The California Department of Public Health issued a statement revealing that a producer from Fresno County, Raw Milk LLC, had voluntarily recalled a batch of cream top whole raw milk labeled with the code 20241109 and a “best by” date of Nov. 27. The milk was purchased by the County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department and tested positive for the H5 virus. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected batch from their shelves, and consumers are advised to return any remaining product to the store.
Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy, emphasized that finding the virus in commercially sold raw milk was not unexpected. While the risk to humans from consuming this milk is uncertain, caution is warranted due to the potential dangers associated with the H5N1 virus.
California, as the largest dairy-producing state in the country, has been grappling with a growing H5N1 outbreak in cows since late August. The state has been proactive in testing for the virus in both cows and humans, with 29 confirmed human infections to date. Regular testing of bulk tanks on farms has been implemented to monitor the spread of the virus.
Despite negative results from testing at Raw Milk LLC’s locations, the public health department has increased the frequency of bulk tank testing to twice a week. The owner of Raw Milk LLC, Mark McAfee, has permitted testing of his milk since late April. This proactive approach aims to prevent further contamination and protect consumers from the risks associated with consuming raw milk containing the H5N1 virus. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new and innovative advancements being made every day. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, there are endless possibilities for how technology can shape our future. One of the most exciting and revolutionary developments in recent years has been the rise of blockchain technology.
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