CNN
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Because the H5N1 fowl flu virus spreads by means of dairy cattle, the US Meals and Drug Administration is asking states to take extra steps to guard the general public from the dangers of uncooked milk.
In an open letter posted to the company’s web site on Thursday, it urged states to warn the general public extra strongly concerning the risks of uncooked milk and to take a look at herds that produce it on the market.
The FDA additionally really helpful that states use their regulatory authorities to cease the sale of uncooked milk inside the state or in areas the place dairy herds have examined constructive.
On Thursday, Minnesota grew to become the tenth state to report infected herds. In line with the US Division of Agriculture, 82 herds within the US have examined constructive for the H5N1 virus.
The FDA doesn’t enable the sale of uncooked milk throughout state traces, however a number of states enable the sale of uncooked milk for human consumption inside their borders, with various necessities. Some states enable uncooked milk to be offered as pet meals labeled “not for human consumption,” understanding that what folks do with the milk in their very own houses is as much as them.
Uncooked milk can carry excessive ranges of the H5N1 fowl flu virus as a result of the virus seems to contaminate cows by means of their udders. It isn’t but recognized whether or not folks can get fowl flu by ingesting milk contaminated with the virus. Nevertheless, cats residing on farms with contaminated cows have died after consuming unpasteurized milk, and three dairy employees uncovered to uncooked milk have been contaminated.
“Given the present and potential future dangers that HPAI H5N1 virus poses to our nation’s public well being, in addition to the well being of our nation’s food-producing animals and wildlife, it is very important work collectively to reduce the extra publicity of people and different animal species,” wrote Dr. Don Prater, appearing director of the Middle for Meals Security and Utilized Diet, who’s main the company’s H5N1 response.
Past fowl flu, the FDA says well being dangers of uncooked milk embrace sickness, miscarriages, stillbirths, kidney failure and loss of life.
Along with stronger warnings concerning the risks of consuming uncooked milk, the FDA is asking states to watch dairy cattle herds for indicators of sickness that might point out an infection with H5N1 fowl flu virus and inform farms to soundly discard milk from sick cows.
Any uncooked milk or uncooked milk merchandise from uncovered cattle which are fed to calves or another animals ought to be heat-treated or pasteurized, the FDA stated.
The FDA can be calling on states to implement surveillance testing for the presence of H5N1 virus in dairy herds that may be engaged in producing uncooked milk and to report their outcomes to state and federal regulatory businesses.
The company stated it might quickly share new analysis and knowledge on each fowl flu virus in uncooked milk and uncooked milk merchandise.