Researchers have warned that influenza viruses can harbour in raw milk for up to five days, increasing the risk of flu.
According to Medical News, research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that the flu virus remains infectious in refrigerated stored raw milk for over five days.
A senior author of the study, Alexandria Boehm, said, “This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurisation.”
The co-lead author of the study, Mengyang Zhang, explained, “The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways. The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans."
Notably, the findings of the studies came at a time when bird flu in dairy cattle raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic.
Moreover, over 14 million Americans drink raw milk every year. People believe that raw milk keeps its nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics that boost the immune system because it is not heated.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also warned that raw milk can contain harmful germs like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause “serious” risk to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
