The discovery of a batch of raw milk infected with the H5N1 virus for sale in California has raised concerns that bird flu is getting closer to humans. Only a few days before, the first positive case was reported in a child in the United States. Today, therefore, bird flu is more frightening. “What we have seen in the last months are the signs that the bird flu is approaching people strongly, we are surrounded,” says Matteo Bassetti, director of infectious diseases at the San Martino polyclinic hospital in Genoa.
Raw milk
The bird flu virus, which can also affect humans, was discovered in a batch of whole milk from Raw Farm. The company issued a voluntary recall and told retailers to remove the product from their refrigerator shelves and advised consumers who might find it at home not to drink it. Unlike pasteurized milk, which undergoes a heating process that kills bacteria and viruses such as H5N1, raw milk carries a number of risks including exposure to Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Brucella, Campylobacter and Listeria. “Public health experts have long warned consumers not to consume raw milk or raw milk products because of the high risk of foodborne illness,” the California Department of Public Health reminds us. “Accidentally drinking or inhaling raw milk containing the bird flu virus can make you sick,” he says.
The first pediatric case of H5 avian influenza in the United States: an infected child
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Pasteurization
While the risks of drinking raw milk are known, cow farmers say they’ve seen a growing demand for unpasteurized milk, as influencers study its supposed beneficial properties. Several states have taken steps to legalize in-store sales and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. himself, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has said he wants access to raw milk increase. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow also said she drinks unpasteurized cream in her coffee every day, promoting the same raw milk brand whose product has been recalled from California stores. However, experts reiterate the importance of pasteurization which can also kill the H5N1 virus in milk. «It is clear, in the United States of America, with the bird flu situation, that raw milk should not be sold or consumed», says Bassetti. «The recommendation for adults and children traveling to the United States of America is to consume raw milk. But I believe that this recommendation – he continues – must apply everywhere. We must work so that all milk is pasteurized: it is a process we have been doing for 200 years and it makes the milk free from bacteriological and viral risks because it reduces the microbial load.”
Closer to the man
To date, no human-to-human spread of the virus has been documented, and the vast majority of infections are the result of contact with farm animals. For this reason, the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to the general population to be very low. However, a recent CDC study found that the respiratory virus is evolving to better infect mammals. Health agencies are keeping a close eye on the virus because if it starts to spread between people, it could trigger a human epidemic or pandemic. There have been a few cases this year, two in the United States and one in Canada, where someone contracted H5N1 without known contact with livestock or wild birds. The health authorities are not sure exactly how the transmission occurred in these cases. But avian flu can be transmitted through wild bird droppings, so these people could catch the virus outdoors without coming close to a sick animal. “The jump of the virus from birds to mammals is an adaptation of the virus, the famous ‘spillover’,” explains Massimo Andreoni, scientific director of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases. « This process creates some anxiety. The discovery of traces of the virus in calf milk, a few cases in fact, raises an important question – he continues – that must first be verified, proven and then thoroughly studied to understand the real risks to humans. High attention, but there is no immediate danger for Italy where the veterinary control system works well as does the network of zooprophylactic institutions.
Infections
According to the CDC, the H5N1 subtype of bird flu was first detected in wild waterfowl in southern China in 1996 and caused widespread outbreaks among poultry in the region in 1997. Since then, more than 900 arbitrary human situation in the world. Half of those infected have died, raising fears about the severity of the disease. By 2005, the disease had spread to Africa, the Middle East and Europe, although it continued to mainly affect animals. In 2021, a new genetic subtype of the virus emerged and spread rapidly across the Americas. There have been fatal outbreaks among commercial poultry and infected goats, dairy cows and some recently infected humans. As of November 26, there have been 55 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the United States in 2024.
The vaccine
There is currently no vaccine against H5N1 bird flu, as the disease does not spread easily between people. However, given the possibility that the virus could one day evolve to allow person-to-person transmission, the US government has developed five candidate viral proteins as the basis for future vaccines. Federal health officials also ordered the production of 4.8 million doses of an experimental bird flu vaccine to be on hand in case of human-to-human transmission or any other troubling changes in how it works with the virus. Recent research also suggests that vaccines based on older H5N1 genetic subtypes may still protect against the newer version of the virus. Additionally, earlier this year, Argentinian vaccine maker Sinergium Biotech launched a World Health Organization-backed project to use mRNA, the genetic molecule used in some Covid-19 vaccines, to develop vaccines against H5N1. The goal is to ensure
that low- and middle-income countries are prepared for possible future pandemics.
What are the health risks associated with consuming raw milk during the H5N1 outbreak?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re addressing a highly concerning issue: the recent discovery of H5N1 virus in raw milk in California and its implications for human health. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Matteo Bassetti, an expert in infectious diseases from the San Martino Polyclinic in Genoa, with us. Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Bassetti.
Dr. Matteo Bassetti: Thank you for having me. It’s important we discuss these developments.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The discovery of H5N1 in raw milk has certainly raised alarms. Can you explain why this is particularly alarming now?
Dr. Bassetti: Absolutely. We’ve noticed a concerning evolution of the H5N1 virus, especially as it has been found in various settings closer to humans. Just days before the milk discovery, we reported the first positive case in a child in the United States. This trend signals that the virus is adapting and is increasingly capable of affecting humans, creating a situation we should monitor very closely.
Editor: It’s indeed alarming to hear that. The California Department of Public Health has issued warnings against consuming raw milk. What are the specific risks involved in drinking unpasteurized milk?
Dr. Bassetti: Raw milk poses significant health risks due to its susceptibility to a variety of pathogens, not just H5N1. As you mentioned, it can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. The pasteurization process is critical because it effectively eliminates these pathogens, thus making milk safe for consumption. When we introduce an evolving virus like H5N1 into this mix, the stakes are raised even higher.
Editor: Speaking of pasteurization, there seems to be a growing trend for unpasteurized milk, fueled by influencers promoting its perceived health benefits. How do you respond to this movement?
Dr. Bassetti: I find it deeply concerning. While I understand that some believe raw milk has health benefits, we cannot ignore the substantial scientific evidence showing the dangers it poses, especially now with H5N1 on the rise. It’s crucial to educate the public about the benefits of pasteurization, which has been a cornerstone of public health for over 200 years. We must advocate for consistent policies that prioritize safety over trends.
Editor: That’s a strong message. Regarding public health responses, you mentioned that, to date, there hasn’t been human-to-human transmission of H5N1. How are health agencies monitoring this situation?
Dr. Bassetti: Health agencies, including the CDC, are on high alert. They are investigating cases of humans contracting H5N1 without known contact with infected animals, which raises questions about potential new transmission routes. The evolutionary adaptation of H5N1 to better infect mammals is particularly worrying and could lead to increased transmission risks if not managed properly.
Editor: It sounds like vigilance is key. Can you explain what we should be watching for as this situation develops?
Dr. Bassetti: Yes, we need to monitor for instances of spillover — when the virus jumps from birds to mammals, including humans. Additionally, we should keep our focus on vaccination strategies for domestic birds and wildlife monitoring to prevent outbreaks. Communication between veterinary and public health systems is essential, especially in maintaining robust surveillance protocols.
Editor: Those are practical steps to mitigate risks. As a final thought, what advice would you give to the average person regarding the consumption of milk products right now?
Dr. Bassetti: My advice is simple: Avoid raw milk entirely. Stick to pasteurized milk and dairy products. Also, stay informed about food recalls and health advisories. The risks are very real, and by choosing pasteurized products, we can significantly reduce our exposure to harmful pathogens, including the H5N1 virus.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Bassetti, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s vital for our audience to understand the risks and the importance of making informed choices.
Dr. Bassetti: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this serious matter. It’s imperative that we work together to ensure public safety.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you once again, and we hope to have you back for future discussions on health and safety issues.