Raw Milk Consumption Poses Bird Flu Infection Risk

Study Raises Concerns for Humans

Unpasteurized Milk Linked to Virus Transmission

A recent study using mice has revealed a potential infection risk associated with consuming raw milk from cows infected with avian influenza (bird flu). Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria, can be contaminated with various pathogens, including the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The study, published in the journal "Emerging Infectious Diseases," investigated the effects of consuming milk infected with H5N1 on mice. The results showed that the mice developed severe respiratory symptoms and became ill after drinking the contaminated milk. These findings raise concerns about the potential risk of bird flu transmission to humans through the consumption of raw milk from infected cows.

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also be transmitted to humans occasionally. In recent months, several cases of bird flu have been reported in poultry farms in nine U.S. states. While human cases of bird flu remain rare, the study highlights the potential for human infection associated with consuming raw milk from infected cows.