The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not detected any cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cows in Canada and is currently not testing raw or pasteurized milk for traces of the virus. He said he did not.
“As with many reported animal diseases, testing is recommended based on suspicion of disease, including through the presence of clinical symptoms,” the CFIA said in a statement emailed to RealAgriculture.
The CFIA said it is aware of the US finding that pasteurized milk samples contain inactivated HPAI virus particles through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing.
“A positive qPCR result does not necessarily indicate the presence of active virus in the milk,” the CFIA said, adding that the risk to consumers remains low.
“HPAI is not a food safety concern because pasteurization is required for sale of milk in Canada. This process kills harmful bacteria and viruses while preserving the nutritional properties of milk and We ensure that dairy products are safe to drink,” the CFIA said.
The CFIA is working with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and U.S. authorities to monitor developments in this situation, the agency said. CFIA will continue to update the website as new information becomes available. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock.
A US information page about HPAI is available. here.
