CDC responds to H5N1 bird flu
CDC graphic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In the United States, a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus has been detected in dairy cattle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners continue to respond to this outbreak using a One Health approach.
H5N1 bird flu has been detected in unpasteurized (raw) milk samples collected from sick cattle on dairy farms during the course of the outbreak investigation. Based on current evidence from the FDA, the commercial pasteurized milk supply is considered safe because the pasteurization process is effective in killing H5N1 bird flu. In addition, milk from sick cows is diverted or destroyed.
While the risk of consuming raw milk and raw milk products with live H5N1 viruses is not fully known, theoretically, it could infect people with H5N1 bird flu, which can cause serious disease. In general, raw milk and any products made from raw milk can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death. Anyone, even healthy adults, can get sick from drinking raw milk. Make the best decision for your health and the health of your family by always choosing pasteurized milk and products made with it.