Sodiq Ojuroungbe The recent detection of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle has raised new concerns about the safety of raw milk consumption, with experts warning of the potential health risks associated with unpasteurised dairy products. A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that mice fed raw milk containing H5N1 avian influenza viruses became seriously ill, raising questions about the possible consequences for humans who drink unpasteurised milk contaminated with the virus. The findings come as the U.
S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed infections in 63 dairy herds across nine states, with two human infections in farm workers detected since the outbreak was first reported in March. While the Food and Drug Administration has long advised against drinking raw milk due to the presence of harmful pathogens such as E.
coli and Salmonella, the discovery of H5N1 in dairy cattle adds to the list of potential dangers. The study’s senior author and a leading influenza virologist, Yoshihiro Kawaoka emphasised the importance of pasteurisation in reducing the risk of illness associated with milk consumption. While the specific risk to humans from drinking raw milk containing H5N1 avian influenza viruses remains unclear, the study’s findings provide compelling evidence that pasteurisation is a vital step in ensuring the safety of dairy products.
The study also found that not all.
