Fed and State Agencies Investigate Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle and Milk Supply Safety

A collaborative investigation involving the USDA, FDA, CDC, and state agencies continues to address the impacts of the Avian Influenza H5N1, also known as bird flu, on poultry, dairy cattle, and public health. Initial detection of the virus in dairy cattle earlier this year has prompted a series of measures to ensure the safety of milk and dairy products while mitigating risks to both humans and animals.

The FDA, responsible for maintaining the safety of the milk and animal feed supply, has reinforced its partnerships with state and federal organizations, emphasizing the importance of pasteurization in neutralizing the virus. Pasteurization, a long-standing public health safeguard, effectively inactivates HPAI H5N1 in milk, ensuring that Grade A milk under the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) remains safe for consumers. These safety protocols are further supported by the destruction or diversion of any abnormal milk from the commercial supply.

As part of the broader response, the FDA launched a domestic sampling initiative on December 23, 2024, targeting aged raw cow’s milk cheese to assess potential contamination. This follows earlier studies confirming the virus’s inactivation through high-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization processes, solidifying confidence in established dairy safety measures.

Meanwhile, the CDC continues its surveillance efforts to monitor the spread of H5N1 among livestock and humans. With the Grade A Milk Safety Program covering nearly all of the commercial milk supply in the United States, regulatory agencies remain focused on ensuring rigorous compliance with safety standards. Ongoing research and sampling will further inform strategies to protect the food supply and public health.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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