The rapid spread of bird flu (H5N1) is causing major concern throughout the food and beverage industry.
Mass culling of birds has already begun, to help stop the spread, and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is urging biosecurity measures be stepped-up worldwide.
Meanwhile cases of bird flu in cattle have increased, and just last week, the virus was detected for the first time in sheep.
Now, fears are growing over the potential spread to humans through consumption of infected animal products, including raw milk.
Is raw milk bird-flu spread threat?
Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Listeria, Brucella, and it was recently discovered H5N1 (bird flu). But can infected milk infect humans?
Studies have found that mice can be infected with bird flu through the consumption of infected raw milk. This has led the National Institutes of Health to conclude that ”drinking raw milk may pose a risk of transmission to people”.
Will bird flu boost pasteurised milk sales?
Recent years have seen a noticeable rise in sales of raw milk and raw milk products, such as cheese, butter and cream. As well as claiming superior flavour, supporters of raw milk also celebrate its purported health benefits, including protection against asthma, hay fever and inflammation.
However, the growing concerns over the consumption of raw milk in relation to bird flu could lead to a surge in sales of pasteurised milks and pasteurised milk products, as consumers look to avoid the potential risks.
