IB TIMES
Traces of bird flu virus have been detected in approximately one in five samples of commercial milk in the U.S., according to a recent study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While the detection of these viral traces does not automatically imply a threat to consumers, the FDA said further testing is key to finding if the intact pathogen is present and remains infectious.
The FDA said in a statement on its website that this thorough examination is crucial in determining whether there exists any potential risk of illness associated with the consumption of the product.
The milk samples subjected to testing by the FDA were sourced from a nationally representative sample.
A higher proportion of positive results were obtained from milk originating in regions where dairy cow herds were infected. However, the FDA did not disclose the exact number of samples that underwent testing.
So far, cases of bird flu have been identified in 33 herds across eight states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Ohio, and Texas.
Earlier this week, the FDA announced the discovery of viral fragments in commercially distributed milk, prompting the Agriculture Department to implement a federal mandate requiring testing of all dairy cows for bird flu before interstate transportation.
However, health authorities continue to maintain that pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption.l
