In a shocking turn of events, scientists have confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows in the United States. The announcement comes after weeks of reports of sick cows in Texas, with samples of pasteurized milk testing positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected the animals. This news follows the detection of the avian influenza virus in dairy cows in at least eight states across America. The Agriculture Department has reported that nearly 33 herds have been affected by the virus so far.

Despite the concerning findings, the US Food and Drug Administration has emphasized that the material detected in the milk is inactivated and does not pose a risk to consumers. FDA officials have been conducting tests on milk samples from processing plants and grocery stores, with additional results expected in the near future. The agency used a PCR lab test to detect viral genetic material, even after pasteurization, which should inactivate the virus.

Although two people in the US have been infected with the bird flu in the past, FDA officials have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the viral remnants in the milk pose any risk to human health. The International Dairy Foods Association has also reassured the public that the remnants of the virus have zero impact on human health.

Experts have noted that while the virus is lethal to commercial poultry, most infected cattle seem to recover within two weeks. However, scientists have criticized the federal response, claiming that the Agriculture Department has been slow to share important data and has not adequately tested cattle for the infection. The discovery of viral fragments in milk has raised concerns about the extent of the outbreak, with fears that it may be more widespread than reported.

Federal officials have reiterated that the commercial milk supply is safe, as dairy producers are required to keep milk from sick animals out of the human food supply. Nearly all milk produced on US farms is pasteurized, a process that should inactivate flu viruses like H5N1. The FDA is continuing to study the issue and will provide updates in the coming days.