GUWAHATI: In a significant announcement on Friday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed the discovery of the H5N1 bird flu virus strain in substantial quantities in raw milk obtained from infected animals. While the duration of the virus's survival in milk remains undetermined, this finding sheds light on the evolving nature of Avian influenza outbreaks.
Originating in 1996, the Avian influenza A(H5N1) initially surfaced, but recent years have witnessed a notable surge in outbreaks among birds, accompanied by a rising number of infections in mammals. Tens of millions of poultry have succumbed to the disease, alongside infections observed in wild birds, land mammals, and marine life.
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Unexpectedly, cows and goats have been added to the list of affected animals, surprising experts who previously deemed them unsusceptible to this strain of influenza. Laboratory testing confirmed bird flu infections among some cows, according to media reports.
Wenqing Zhang, head of the global influenza programme at WHO, highlighted the significance of these developments during a media briefing in Geneva. Zhang emphasised instances of bird-to-cow, cow-to-cow, and cow-to-bird transmission, suggesting novel routes of virus transition.
These incidents indicate a concerning trend of virus spillover to mammals. Notably, the virus has been detected in milk obtained from infected animals, raising concerns about its transmission through dairy products.
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Experts continue to investigate the virus's survival duration in milk amidst reassurances that infected cattle do not pose a threat to the commercial milk supply. Stringent measures, including the disposal of milk from sick cows and pasteurisation, effectively mitigate the risk of virus transmission through dairy products.
Zhang stressed the importance of safe food practices, urging consumers to opt for pasteurised milk and milk products to mitigate the risk of infection.