FDA Releases Tests – No Bird Flu in Milk Supply

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJON News) - Following the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, in a Colorado dairy herd, the FDA has released tests that show the milk supply is safe for humans.

Colorado became the ninth state with a dairy herd infected with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza last week, showing the outbreak of bird flu in dairy cattle is more widespread than previously thought.

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States with positive cases of HPAI in dairy cattle:

• Texas
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Ohio
• Idaho
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• South Dakota
• Colorado

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released test results from a national milk sampling program showing the tests didn’t detect any live, infectious virus in the commercial milk supply. In addition, several samples of retail powdered infant formula were tested as well, with no live virus detected. Officials say the tests show current pasteurization techniques are effective in killing the virus.

The FDA has expanded its test program and is testing 297 retail dairy samples from 38 states.

The FDA has had a recommendation for years against consuming milk that has not been pasteurized (raw milk). The FDA continues to recommend the industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk products.

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