Fragments of Bird Flu Virus Found in 20% of Retail Milk Samples

Federal regulators revealed alarming findings in a recent study, indicating the presence of bird flu virus fragments in approximately 20 percent of retail milk samples. The Food and Drug Administration disclosed this concerning data in an online update on Thursday. The study also highlighted regional disparities, with samples from areas known to harbor infected dairy herds demonstrating a higher likelihood of testing positive for the virus.

Assessment of Consumer Risk

Despite the prevalence of the virus in the samples, regulators have assured the public that the milk does not pose a direct threat to consumers. Experts in public health have echoed this assessment, affirming that no live virus has been detected in retail milk.

Extent of Bird Flu Outbreak

The study's findings have raised concerns about the actual scope of the bird flu outbreak in dairy cows. While the official count stands at 33 infected herds across eight states, the high prevalence of virus fragments in retail milk samples suggests a wider and more pervasive spread of the virus. Richard Webby, a prominent virologist and influenza expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, emphasized the significance of the study's results, stating, "It suggests that there is a whole lot of this virus out there."