OTTAWA – The Canadian government is expanding its surveillance program for a form of bird flu amid a growing outbreak among U.S. dairy cattle.
Fragments of the highly pathogenic bird flu have been discovered in pasteurized milk sold in the United States, and a statement from Canadian health authorities says lactating dairy cows imported from the United States will now require negative tests.
The statement said authorities will increase retail testing of milk to look for virus fragments.
It says voluntary testing will also be available for cows that do not show clinical signs of HPAI as part of “enhanced industry biosecurity efforts.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last week that about 20 percent of milk samples across the country tested positive for fragments of bird flu.
The Canadian statement said that commercially sold milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption and that pasteurization of dairy products effectively inactivates the virus that causes HPAI, even if fragments of the virus remain.
It says that when officials become aware of potential food safety or animal health risks, they will take immediate action to help protect Canada's food supply and livestock.
“While the risk of transmission to humans remains low, the Government of Canada, the provinces and territories, and our counterparts in the United States are working together to actively monitor, prepare for, and respond as appropriate to this evolving situation “To protect Canada’s livestock and protect the health of the people of Canada,” the statement said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2024.
The Canadian Press