The USDA, FDA, and CDC, along with state partners, are investigating an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cows in multiple states, leading to decreased lactation and low appetite among other symptoms. Despite this, the FDA and USDA assure that the commercial milk supply remains safe due to two main factors:

  1. The pasteurization process, which heats milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, has ensured milk safety for over 100 years.
  2. The diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows, preventing it from entering the supply chain.

Almost all commercial milk in the U.S. comes from farms in the Grade “A” milk program, adhering to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which includes safety controls. These measures ensure that pasteurization and handling protocols continue to protect public health by inactivating infectious agents in milk.1

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References

  1. Nutrition, C. F. F. S. a. A. (2024, June 12). Updates on Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai

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