Flu Virus Survives in Raw Milk for Up to Five Days, Study Finds
Flu Virus Can Survive in Raw Milk for Days, Stanford Study Finds
New research raises concerns about potential transmission risks in dairy environments.
A new study from Stanford University has revealed that the influenza virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. The findings,published December 12,highlight a potential public health risk associated with the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
Researchers investigated the survival of the human flu virus strain H1N1 PR8 in raw milk stored at refrigeration temperatures. They discovered that the virus remained infectious for a concerning five days. While molecules of flu virus RNA, which do not pose an infection risk, persisted for at least 57 days, the presence of viable virus for an extended period raises notable concerns.
“The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways,” said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang. ”The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans.”
This research comes at a time when flu concerns are on the rise across the U.S. Multiple batches of raw milk tested positive for bird flu in California in November, leading to voluntary recalls.Tragically, two domestic cats died from suspected bird flu after consuming raw milk linked to these recalls in December.
Pasteurization: A Crucial Safety Measure
The study underscores the importance of pasteurization, a process that heats milk and milk products to high temperatures, effectively destroying infectious virus material and significantly reducing viral RNA levels.
Raw Milk Debate Intensifies
The findings add fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of raw milk consumption.
While proponents tout potential health benefits, health experts warn of the serious risks, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. The recent nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a vocal advocate for raw milk, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has further intensified the discussion.
Flu viruses are responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. This new research emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and adherence to food safety practices to minimize the risk of influenza transmission.
Raw Milk Could Harbor Flu Virus for Days,Stanford Study Warns
NewsDirectory3.com – A groundbreaking study from Stanford University is raising alarm bells about the safety of raw milk. Researchers have found that the influenza virus can survive in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, raising concerns about potential transmission risks.
The study, published on December 12th, focused on the H1N1 PR8 strain of human flu virus. While RNA molecules of the virus persisted in the milk for at least 57 days, the presence of viable, infectious virus for an extended period is particularly worrisome.
“This finding raises concerns about potential transmission pathways,” said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang. “The virus could contaminate surfaces adn other materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to both animals and humans.”
The study comes amidst growing flu concerns nationwide. Recent cases of bird flu in California raw milk, leading to product recalls and even the deaths of two cats who consumed the contaminated milk, have heightened public awareness of the issue.
The findings underscore the critical role of pasteurization in safeguarding public health. Pasteurization, which involves heating milk to high temperatures, effectively destroys infectious viruses and drastically reduces viral RNA levels.
This research adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding raw milk consumption. While some tout potential health benefits of unpasteurized milk, health experts continue to warn about the serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children. The recent nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal advocate for raw milk, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has further intensified this discussion.
With influenza viruses responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths in the united States each year,this study emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and adherence to food safety practices to minimize the risk of influenza transmission.