Urgent Warning: Avian Flu Threat Rises from Unpasteurized Dairy Products in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new warnings this week highlighting the continued risk of bird flu, also known as H5N1, spreading through unpasteurized dairy products in the United States. The CDC stated the risk of infection from consuming raw milk remains low but should be taken seriously, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Several human illnesses in the U.S. have been linked to occupational exposure in the dairy and poultry industries, but there have also been infections with no clear source. Some of these unexplained cases involved individuals who consumed raw milk before becoming ill, and outbreaks have led to recalls of raw milk and pet food found contaminated with the virus, as reported by Food Safety News.

While there have not been any confirmed deaths in humans definitely tied to raw milk consumption, the CDC stresses that pasteurization is critical in eliminating the risk of infection from dairy products. The agency also urges Americans to cook poultry, eggs, and beef thoroughly to reduce the chances of foodborne avian flu infection.

The avian influenza outbreak is not limited to the United States. Globally, H5N1 continues to devastate wild birds, poultry, and mammals. In response, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization convened an international group of experts in Brazil this week. This unprecedented meeting aims to coordinate worldwide strategies on prevention, early warning, vaccination, biosecurity, and response, with special attention given to protecting low-income and backyard poultry settings. FAO leadership emphasized that avian flu is now a global challenge requiring science-based cooperative action.

Marine mammals have also been hit hard by the virus. The New York Times reports veterinarians in California have started a small trial of bird flu vaccines in rescued northern elephant seals. This research is urgent, as similar outbreaks have caused mass die-offs, including the deaths of over 17,000 seal pups in Argentina last year. The results of these studies could influence the decision to vaccinate endangered Hawaiian monk seals, which face a real risk from the virus as migratory birds continue to spread it across regions.

Currently, the CDC continues to monitor for signs of human-to-human transmission in the United States, and so far, none have been identified according to CDC’s FluView weekly update.

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