WHO Confirms Presence of H5N1 Bird Flu in Raw Milk For The First Time Urges People To Drink Pasteurized M – TheHealthSite

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Written By Ankit Kumar | Updated : April 22, 2024 1:02 PM IST

In a significant announcement on Saturday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed the discovery of the H5N1 bird flu virus strain in substantial quantities in raw milk obtained from infected animals. While the duration of the virus's survival in milk remains undetermined, this finding sheds light on the evolving nature of Avian influenza outbreaks. However, Health officials have emphasized that pasteurized milk, readily available in supermarkets, remains safe for consumption as it undergoes a process that eliminates harmful bacteria. H5N1 initially surfaced in 1996 and has since escalated dramatically. The surge in bird flu outbreaks since 2020 has resulted in the deaths of millions of wild birds and poultry worldwide. Alarmingly, the virus has begun infecting various mammals, including humans, cats, bears, foxes, mink, and even penguins. However, flu in cow milk are closely monitored and subject to further research.

This flu strain is also causing worry in India, notably in Kerala's Alappuzha district, where it's been identified in ducks. Authorities are on alert for the future spread of this deadly disease. The findings challenge what we knew about its spread. Wenqing Zhang, a member of the World Health Organization shared this during a press briefing in Geneva and said, "The case in Texas is the first case of a human infected by avian influenza by a cow,".

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The Animal Husbandry Department in Kerala is taking essential steps to control the spread of bird flu. They're upgrading labs, setting up diagnostic facilities, and using rapid tests in the field. It's advised to drink pasteurised milk from stores to avoid harmful bacteria. Bird flu, which affects birds, humans, and other animals, can be dangerous and spread quickly.

In Texas, a person caught bird flu from a cow, the first known case. The virus spread from birds to cows and between cows, showing new ways it can transmit.

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H5N1 flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is a virus that mostly affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. It causes serious respiratory illness and can be fatal for humans.

Now the question is if the virus can infect a person who is consuming an infected animal's milk. As per experts, - Yes! The virus spreads through close contact with infected birds or animals or their droppings like excretion, saliva or snot. If any of those gets into the milk supply, there's a risk of transmission. But pasteurisation of milk, where milk is boiled to high temperatures, kills viruses like H5N1. So, properly pasteurised milk is safe to drink, even if there are worries about the virus in the milk supply chain.

H5N1 flu symptoms are like regular flu, cough, diarrhoea, breathing issues, fever, headache, body pain, tiredness, runny nose, and throat pain. You can find it from touching infected bird poop, snot, or saliva. H5N1 started in birds but can also infect people, first found in Hong Kong in 1997. It spreads from wild birds to farm birds, but eating well-cooked poultry or eggs is safe. Health experts advise drinking pasteurised milk to stay safe from bird flu.

The FDA and USDA say our milk supply is safe because of pasteurisation and measures to remove milk from sick cows. They heavily rely on a system and process that has worked well for years against various threats. Studies suggest pasteurisation kills viruses in milk, including the one causing concern at the moment. They're also studying milk production closely to confirm safety. The government is prorating these studies to keep milk safe and will share findings soon.

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WHO Confirms Presence of H5N1 Bird Flu in Raw Milk For The First Time Urges People To Drink Pasteurized M - TheHealthSite