Bird flu outbreak in cattle farms prompts WHO warning on consuming raw milk
The bird flu, specifically the H5N1 virus, has been causing significant problems in the United States and the EU due to its widespread presence in numerous cattle farms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the consumption of raw milk to avoid any potential risks associated with the virus.
The WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of consuming pasteurized milk in all countries as the virus has been detected in raw milk in the United States. However, preliminary tests have shown that pasteurization can effectively kill the virus. So far, only one human case has been reported in the United States, with the infected individual displaying flu-like symptoms.
While there are currently no significant avian flu outbreaks in Europe or Italy, the WHO’s warning extends to the entire world. The Ministry of Health in Italy has reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza among domestic and wild animals, particularly affecting seagulls in north-eastern Italy, Belgium, France, and Holland.
Despite the alarm caused by the recent experience with Covid, experts underline that the H5N1 virus has been under surveillance for decades and is not a new or unknown virus. The virus has long been considered a potential candidate for a new pandemic and has been closely monitored and controlled.
The spread of the avian virus among cows is attributed to them having the same receptors for influenza viruses that affect birds and humans. A study in the preliminary phase has shed light on the mechanisms of infection in cattle, leading to outbreaks on numerous American farms.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, approximately 42 herds in nine states have been infected with the virus since the end of March. The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and emphasize the importance of caution and preventive measures to prevent the further spread of the bird flu.