Shouldn’t it be renamed CHEESE FLU?
FDA is testing aged raw cow’s milk cheese for bird fluhttps://t.co/9hsYpb7lHr
— The Hill (@thehill) December 31, 2024
The FDA has initiated testing on aged cheese made from raw cow’s milk to assess potential contamination with the bird flu virus, avian influenza A (H5N1). This action is part of a wider investigation into the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has impacted poultry, dairy cows, and even humans in multiple U.S. states. Testing began on December 23, 2024, through a collaboration with the FDA, USDA, CDC, and state authorities to curb the spread of this deadly virus.
At least 66 human cases of bird flu have been confirmed, with up to 73 total, including probable cases. The virus has affected poultry across all 50 states and dairy cows in 16 states. In response, the USDA has mandated testing of the U.S. milk supply, beginning with states like California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
The FDA’s primary focus is on aged raw cow’s milk cheese, which is particularly vulnerable due to its use of unpasteurized milk. To mitigate the risk of pathogens, U.S. regulations require that cheese made from raw milk be aged for at least 60 days. The FDA plans to collect 300 samples from warehouses and distribution centers nationwide, using PCR testing to detect any viral genetic material. Positive samples will undergo additional testing for viability.
Sources:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/bird-flu-update-as-fda-begins-cheese-screening/ar-AA1wKVI8
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/fda-testing-aged-raw-cows-milk-cheese-bird-flu/story?id=117222065
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5061574-fda-raw-cows-milk-cheese-bird-flu/
AC
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