Canada is testing retail milk for bird flu. So far, no sign of spread – National | 24CA News
In mild of elevated issues over chicken flu fragments found in American dairy cattle and their milk provide, Canadian authorities have launched nationwide testing efforts.
So far, all retail milk samples examined have returned unfavourable for the extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), in keeping with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The CFIA on Tuesday launched a press release saying it examined 142 retail milk samples throughout Canada, and up to now, all have returned unfavourable for chicken flu fragments, with no proof of illness in dairy cattle.
“Negative results mean that HPAI fragments are not present in milk. This supports current reports that the virus has not been detected in Canadian dairy cows,” the CFIA mentioned within the assertion.
“Commercially sold milk and milk products remain safe to consume. Milk from dairy cows in Canada must be pasteurized before sale. The pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria and viruses, including HPAI, ensuring milk and milk products are safe to drink and eat.”
Avian influenza, generally often called chicken flu, originates from influenza viruses that primarily flow into amongst wild aquatic birds, with the potential to contaminate home poultry and varied animal species. While transmission to people is feasible, such occurrences are rare.
Although chicken flu fragments haven’t been detected in Canada, within the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is intently looking forward to adjustments within the virus that would make it unfold extra simply amongst people. Last week the CDC introduced it plans to submit information on influenza A present in wastewater in a public dashboard that would supply new clues into the outbreak of chicken flu cattle herds.
The chicken flu has been detected amongst U.S. dairy cattle in 9 states since late March. Federal officers mentioned they consider the outbreak is extra widespread based mostly on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) findings of H5N1 particles in about 20 per cent of retail milk samples final month.
In the wake of the unfold, the Canadian authorities has expanded its surveillance program for avian flu testing. Lactating dairy cattle imported from the U.S. now require unfavourable assessments. And voluntary testing may also be out there for cows that aren’t presenting with scientific indicators of HPAI, as a part of “enhanced industry biosecurity efforts.”
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