Hen flu, also referred to as avian influenza, primarily infects birds however may have an effect on people. Amidst this outbreak, a current report from the US Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized traces of the H5N1 virus in uncooked milk, highlighting considerations about potential transmission to people. Because of this there are potentialities that consuming milk from contaminated cows might transmit fowl flu to individuals. Whereas its origins date again to 1996, in March 2024, the H5N1 virus was detected in US dairy cattle for the primary time. Identified for inflicting lethal infections in poultry, it has been reported to have contaminated cows and an individual within the US. 

Hen flu in cow milk

The researchers of US Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) collected 275 samples of uncooked milk from bulk storage tanks on farms throughout 4 states the place dairy cattle had examined constructive for H5N1. They discovered that the virus was current in 57.5 % of the samples, and additional evaluation revealed {that a} quarter of those contained infectious virus. This confirms that uncooked milk contaminated with the virus is unsafe for human consumption. Fortuitously, pasteurization, which includes utilizing excessive warmth to eradicate dangerous microbes in meals, successfully destroys the virus within the milk and make it secure.

Are you able to get fowl flu from cow milk?

In late March of this yr, the primary outbreak of the HPAI H5N1 virus in dairy cows within the US was reported. Three circumstances of individuals working carefully with these cows examined constructive for H5N1 virus, with delicate signs. Though the chance of direct transmission to people stays low, there may be concern amongst researchers about potential infections by way of the consumption of uncooked milk. Subsequently, the FDA strongly cautions in opposition to consuming uncooked milk.

Is pasteurised milk secure?

Uncooked milk can harbour dangerous micro organism just like the H5N1 fowl flu virus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, amongst others, posing well being dangers and probably resulting in ailments reminiscent of H5N1 influenza. Subsequently, it’s essential to eat solely pasteurized milk. Pasteurization includes heating milk to eradicate pathogens such because the H5N1 virus, leaving non-infectious, inactive fragments of the virus behind.

In an preliminary research, the FDA examined 297 industrial dairy merchandise from 38 states within the US and located high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viral particles in a single out of each 5 samples. Nonetheless, checks on pasteurized milk got here destructive, indicating no presence of stay H5N1 fowl flu virus and confirming that pasteurized milk is secure for consumption.

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Threat of fowl flu in people

The widespread distribution of extremely pathogenic Avian Influenza or HPAI A (H5N1) viruses amongst wild birds, poultry, and sure mammals, together with cows, will increase the potential for human publicity to those viruses. Over the previous twenty years, roughly 900 circumstances of an infection with the avian influenza virus H5N1 have been reported in people. Most people affected had shut contact with contaminated birds. Earlier strains of H5N1 virus have confirmed lethal for individuals, leading to fatalities in about half of reported circumstances, in keeping with the Nationwide Institute of Well being. Nonetheless, these viruses can’t unfold from human-to-human transmission, which limits their pandemic potential.

Based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), the present danger of fowl flu viruses affecting most people stays low. Nonetheless, people with occupational or leisure publicity to contaminated birds or animals, together with cows, face a heightened danger of contracting the HPAI A (H5N1) virus.

Additionally learn: H5N2 fowl flu infects 4-year-old in India, first human case since 2019: WHO

What are the signs of H5N1 fowl flu?

Based on CDC, in people, avian influenza A (H5N1) and A (H5N6) viruses, in addition to avian influenza A (H7N9) virus, are accountable. Frequent signs of fowl flu embody:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nostril
• Sore throat
• Muscle ache
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory difficulties
• Headache

In extreme circumstances, H5N1 fowl flu can result in pneumonia, acute respiratory misery syndrome, organ failure, and demise.

The illness, which was first reported in Vietnam in 2003, has precipitated human outbreaks and fatalities throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Center East. So far, at the least 356 deaths have been attributed to fowl flu, in keeping with the World Well being Group.