The viral fragments in the milk don't indicate the presence of intact virus particles that could cause disease but suggest the potential for a wider spread of H5N1 in dairy cattle.
Commercial milk safety is maintained through prompt disposal of milk from sick animals and pasteurization, known to effectively inactivate H5N1, ensuring a reduced pathogen load in the supply.
Quantitative PCR testing detected viral fragments with exceptional sensitivity, not necessarily indicating biological activity. Further testing like incubation in embryonated eggs is needed to determine virus capacity for replication and disease.
The FDA, as of April 24, 2024, maintains that there is no need to alter their evaluation, implying no immediate public health concerns from these viral fragments in milk.
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