PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Amid an outbreak of bird flu in dairy cattle in the United States, the Oregon Health Authority is cautioning people against consuming raw, unpasteurized milk, as it may carry its most recent strain, H5N1. According to the USDA, there are currently 49 dairy cattle H5N1 outbreaks across nine states. Although none […]
U.S. sellers of raw milk appear undeterred by federal health warnings for consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk in light of a bird flu outbreak that has affected dairy herds in nine states and sickened at least one dairy farm worker. Thirty of the 50 U.S. states permit the sale of raw milk, which accounts for less than 1% percent of U.S. milk sales. A nationwide survey of pasteurized milk - heated to kill pathogens - found avian flu virus particles in about 20% of samples tested.
Traces of the bird flu virus have been found in pasteurized milk, and at least one dairy worker has been infected. But the FDA says don't worry, and the USDA lacks urgency.