(StraightShooterNews.com) – Recent reports have revealed that H5N1 bird flu has been detected in dairy cows, triggering serious public health concerns regarding the safety of raw milk.
While the virus can potentially spread through contaminated milk, the debate between federal authorities and raw milk advocates is reaching new heights.
In a startling discovery, researchers found high levels of the H5N1 bird flu virus in mice that consumed raw milk from infected dairy cows.
The virus presence was especially high in the respiratory organs, confirming that raw milk poses a significant risk for transmitting H5N1.
The federal government has taken a strong stance by warning against drinking raw milk due to these new findings.
However, this has enraged raw milk advocates, who argue that the risks are exaggerated and accuse the government of overreaching.
Brandon Dominguez noted, “The farms are aware of what a nonnegative test would do to their business. They asked that we do not run the test.”
Dominguez is the Veterinary Services Section Head at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
Despite federal warnings, raw milk can still be found and bought in many places. Alarmingly, the virus can thrive even in refrigerated temperatures.
Still, the FDA has assured the public that the commercial milk supply is safe. An initial survey of 297 retail dairy products revealed that “[a]ll of the samples were found to be negative for viable virus.”
Public health officials strongly recommend pasteurizing the milk to neutralize the virus.
FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition head Don Prater, stated, “Pasteurization is effective at inactivating the virus…We strongly advise against the consumption of raw milk.”
In light of these considerations, the need for better safety protocols and consumer awareness cannot be overstated.
The detection of H5N1 in dairy cows has clearly upped the stakes in the ongoing debate over raw milk consumption.
While raw milk advocates maintain their position, the evidence increasingly prompts the federal government to issue calls for mandatory pasteurization to protect public health.
As this situation evolves, consumers must stay informed and turn to expert advice to lessen potential health risks.
Copyright 2024, StraightShooterNews.com
