Bird Flu Virus in Raw Cow Milk - An Emerging Public Health Issue
Posted 4 months ago
June 07, 2024
Recent studies have revealed a pressing concern: the raw milk of infected cows harbors significant viral loads, including the bird flu virus. This revelation is not just a cause for alarm within the agricultural sector but also a potential threat to human health that demands immediate attention.
Virologist believe such emerging scientific information have illuminated a crucial aspect of avian influenza transmission-milking. It's not airborne dissemination but the milking process that emerges as a significant avenue for viral spread among cattle and, potentially, to humans. This finding presents a ray of hope for public health interventions, as modifying milking protocols could be the key to curbing the outbreak and preventing human infections.
The saga of the highly pathogenic bird flu virus, H5N1, dates back to its isolation in 1996. Since then, it has wreaked havoc among domestic and wild avian populations worldwide. Surprisingly, recent reports indicate its infiltration into dairy cows, marking a new frontier in the virus's journey. Initially overlooked due to presumed receptor incompatibility, infected cows are now suspected carriers, with inflamed udders as ominous signs of viral invasion.
Analysis of infected cows' milk reveals staggering viral counts, surpassing levels achievable in controlled laboratory conditions. Such abundance paints a grim picture, explaining why H5N1 fragments have infiltrated a significant portion of retail milk samples. While pasteurization offers a safety net, the sheer scale of milking operations in the United States complicates containment efforts.
The intricacies of dairy farming unveil inherent challenges in virus containment. Shared milking equipment serves as a breeding ground for viral dissemination, while the chaotic nature of the milking process poses risks to farm workers. Seema Lakdawala, an influenza virologist from Emory University School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for stringent hygiene practices and protective gear to shield workers from viral bombardment.
However, the road to containment is riddled with obstacles. Despite infection status, lactating cows demand regular milking to avert harm, necessitating meticulous raw milk handling. Modifying milking protocols to prevent viral spread is a complex task, as it requires changes in the equipment, procedures, and training of farm workers. Furthermore, the logistics of inactivating the virus in infected cow's milk pose financial and infrastructural burdens on dairy farms. Without adequate resources, the disposal of contaminated milk becomes a looming threat, potentially exposing unsuspecting animals to the virus. However, with the right support and resources, these challenges can be overcome, and the risk of bird flu transmission through raw cow milk can be significantly reduced.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, a retrovirologist suggest that immediate efforts should be to develop disinfection protocols and protective measures for farm workers are imperative to safeguarding both animal and human health.
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