In response to the emergence of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cattle across the United States, federal health agencies have initiated comprehensive new studies aimed at understanding the virus’s impact on dairy workers and milk products.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the state of Michigan, has launched a crucial study to investigate whether dairy workers exposed to infected cattle have contracted the virus themselves. This study comes amid concerns about human transmission of H5N1, which has spread from birds to dairy cattle since the beginning of the year, affecting over 120 herds across 12 states.
Simultaneously, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has embarked on testing flash pasteurization techniques to determine if this method effectively neutralizes all infectious virus in milk. Recent studies had raised questions about the thoroughness of current pasteurization practices in addressing H5N1 in dairy products.
Dr. Eric Deeble from the USDA highlighted that the virus primarily spreads through contact with raw milk, underscoring the high viral loads present in milk as a significant transmission risk. Early on, movement of infected cattle drove the spread, prompting USDA mandates for testing before interstate movement starting in late April. Subsequent epidemiological studies by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) revealed that the infection has since been transmitted between farms via shared equipment and personnel.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in conducting widespread testing among dairy farmers and workers. Many are reluctant due to concerns about potential work disruptions and financial impacts associated with testing and quarantine measures. This reluctance poses additional hurdles in fully understanding the virus’s spread dynamics and mitigating its impact effectively.
As federal agencies ramp up their efforts, including enhanced testing protocols and research initiatives, the focus remains on containing the spread of H5N1 and safeguarding both dairy industry workers and consumers from the risks associated with this highly contagious infection.
