The bird flu virus, which can also affect humans, was discovered in a batch of raw milk for sale in California. The state authorities communicated this. While no illnesses have been reported, this finding comes just days after a child tested positive for avian influenza, the first pediatric case in U.S. history. The virus was detected in raw whole milk from Raw Farm, with an expiration date of Nov. 27, the California Department of Public Health informed. The company issued a voluntary recall and retailers were notified to remove the product from their refrigerator shelves and consumers who may have it at home were advised not to drink it.
Bassetti alarm
“It is clear that in the USA, with the avian flu situation that exists, Raw milk should not be sold or consumed. I hope all milk is pasteurizedthe recommendation for adults and children – the latter have an immune system that does not perform as well as that of adults – who travel to the USA is to avoid consuming raw milk. But I believe that this recommendation must apply everywhere, we must work to ensure that all the milk is pasteurized: it is a process that we have been doing for 200 years and it makes the milk free of bacteriological and viral risks because it reduces the microbial load”, Matteo Salute tells Adnkronos Bassetti, director of infectious diseases at the San Martino polyclinic hospital in Genoa.
“What we have been seeing for months are the signs that avian flu is aggressively approaching human beingswe are surrounded – warns Bassetti – the cow is the animal closest to man, from milk to derivatives. Therefore, attention must be raised a lot on the topic of avian flu, denying what someone is doing doesn’t help. We have vaccines and drugs and we must organize ourselves and provide correct information.”
Andreoni: “No alarm in Italy”
The discovery of the avian influenza virus in a batch of raw milk on sale in California “must make us maintain high surveillance and monitoring of this extremely important phenomenon from an epidemiological point of view, but to date no cases have been reported in Italy of H5N1 infection in cattle and therefore there should be no alarm about milk consumption. However, I remember that it is milk pasteurization is the process that inactivates viruses and bacteria“, the scientific director of Simit, the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Massimo Andreoni, told Adnkronos Salute.
“The jump of the virus from birds to mammals involves an adaptation of the virus, the famous ‘spillover’, this process creates a certain concern – continues Andreoni – The discovery of traces of the virus in the milk of calves, few cases in reality, raises a question important that must first of all be verified, proven and then studied thoroughly to understand the real risks for humans. High attention, but no imminent danger for Italy where the veterinary control system works well as does the network of zooprophylactic institutes”.
Minelli: “Drinking raw milk carries risks”
“The raw milk trend, which in recent years has gained popularity in the USA and beyond thanks to prominent personalities and influencers, is far from risk-free. Despite some statements by supporters regarding alleged health benefits, such as greater bioavailability of nutrients and the presence of beneficial enzymes, scientific evidence clearly shows that the consumption of raw milk poses significant dangers to public health”, immunologist Mauro Minelli, professor of human nutrition at Lum, reminds Adnkronos Salute. “In the United States, regulations on raw milk vary from state to state. Some completely prohibit its sale, while others allow it, often with labels that warn of the risks – he specifies – the recommendations for consumers are to opt for pasteurized milk which is the safest and most rational choice. The risks of raw milk far outweigh its supposed benefits. However, if you choose to consume raw milk, it is essential to boil it before use, especially for children, pregnant women, elderly and people immunocompromised”.
“It is important to list at this point the main risks associated with raw milk - suggests Minelli – First of all, microbiological contamination. Pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli (in particular the strains producing Shiga toxin), Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter and Brucella are often associated with raw milk. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses, including hemolytic uremic syndrome in children, meningitis, and miscarriage in pregnant women. Additionally, the recent detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in a batch of raw milk in California raises further concerns. Although consumption of raw milk has not yet been linked to H5N1 infections, the potential risk exists, especially if it occurs. milk is not heat treated. An interesting parallel must be drawn with the management of avian influenza caused by H5N1 viruses. Although the dynamics are different, both situations highlight how unsafe food practices can amplify the risk of transmission pathogenic to humans”.
Why are worries growing?
Concerns about the avian H5N1 virus are growing after detections in mammals such as dairy cows, domestic and non-domestic cats, and several others. The H5 virus, previously thought to circulate only among birds, has now infected at least 55 people in the United States this year. Unlike pasteurized milk, which undergoes a heating process that kills bacteria and viruses like H5N1, raw milk is associated with a number of risks including exposure to salmonella, Escherichia coli, Brucella, Campylobacter and Listeria. “Public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to the high risks of foodborne illness,” the California Department recalled. “Accidentally drinking or inhaling raw milk containing the avian influenza virus can cause illness, as can touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching infected raw milk.”
Pasteurization is known to kill the H5N1 virus in milk. However, dairy farmers say they have seen a growing demand for unpasteurised milk, with social media influencers and evangelists touting raw milk, claiming unproven health benefits. Some states have taken steps to legalize sales in stores. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. himself, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has said he wants to increase access to raw milk. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow also said in a podcast interview that she drinks unpasteurized cream in her coffee daily, promoting the same raw milk brand whose product was recalled from California stores this week.
What are the health risks associated with consuming raw milk during avian influenza outbreaks?
Interview: The Health Implications of Avian Influenza and Raw Milk Consumption
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good morning! Today, we’re delving into an alarming discovery regarding the bird flu virus found in raw milk in California. Joining us is Professor Mauro Minelli, an immunologist and expert in human nutrition. Thank you for being here, Professor Minelli.
Professor Minelli: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic that requires attention.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the recent report from the California Department of Public Health about the avian influenza virus being detected in raw milk. How concerning is this finding for public health?
Professor Minelli: This finding raises significant concerns. While no illnesses from this specific batch of milk have been reported yet, it highlights the potential risks associated with raw milk consumption. The presence of H5N1 in milk, although not directly linked to any human infections at this moment, underscores the vulnerabilities of consuming unpasteurized products.
Interviewer: You mentioned raw milk consumption. There’s been a trend in some parts of the U.S. and beyond where raw milk has gained popularity, often touted for certain health benefits. What are your thoughts on that?
Professor Minelli: The raw milk trend is indeed troubling. Despite claims that it offers higher nutrient bioavailability and beneficial enzymes, scientific evidence shows that the risks associated with raw milk greatly outweigh these supposed benefits. Pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli can be present, posing serious health threats, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
Interviewer: In light of this, what would you recommend to consumers regarding milk choices?
Professor Minelli: My recommendation is clear: always choose pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a well-established process that reduces microbial loads, ensuring safety against both bacteria and viruses. If someone insists on consuming raw milk, it’s crucial to boil it before use, although this still doesn’t eliminate all risks.
Interviewer: It’s important to emphasize safety. In the context of avian influenza, Dr. Matteo Bassetti has warned about the virus’s aggressive approach toward humans. How interconnected do you see the issues of raw milk consumption and avian influenza?
Professor Minelli: They are closely related. Raw milk is derived from mammals that can potentially carry pathogens, including the avian influenza virus. The process of spillover, where a virus jumps from one species to another, raises concerns. This is why maintaining high surveillance and careful handling of food products is essential, particularly as we see the virus evolving and adapting to new hosts.
Interviewer: Dr. Massimo Andreoni expressed that there currently shouldn’t be any alarm in Italy regarding H5N1 in milk. How do you assess the situation in Europe?
Professor Minelli: I agree with Dr. Andreoni’s view. Though vigilance is necessary, there have been no reported cases of H5N1 in cattle in Italy. The veterinary control systems in place in Europe are robust, and pasteurization remains a vital safeguard. However, public awareness and education about the risks of raw milk are still crucial to prevent any potential issues.
Interviewer: As we conclude, what key message would you like to leave with our audience regarding the consumption of milk, especially in light of avian flu concerns?
Professor Minelli: The takeaway is simple: prioritize safety by choosing pasteurized milk over raw. Understanding the risks associated with raw consumption can protect not only individual health but also public health at large. Education and correct information are fundamental in preventing the spread of foodborne diseases, especially in an era where we see new threats emerging.
Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Minelli, for your insights on this pressing topic. It’s vital for consumers to stay informed and make safe choices regarding their food.
Professor Minelli: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss and disseminate important health information.