While federal officials say there’s still no sign of a dangerous form of bird flu in Canadian dairy cows, scientists warn limited surveillance means Canada might not be staying ahead of an explosive H5N1 outbreak among dairy cattle south of the border.

“I think we’re way behind the virus,” warned Matthew Miller, an immunologist and vaccine developer with McMaster University, who’s among the Canadians working on H5N1 research.

Without a “robust national surveillance program, there’s no way to know if there are infections here or not.”

When asked about testing milk samples, the agency said if H5N1 is detected in Canadian cattle, it will help provide testing support.

(The agency was more clear in an earlier statement on social media, saying it is “not currently testing raw or pasteurized milk,” adding that the virus isn’t a food safety concern.)

  • OpenStars@discuss.onlineEnglish
    10·
    7 months ago

    For anyone refusing to give Xhitter a click:

    We have not detected HPAI in cattle in Canada at this time so we are not currently testing raw or pasteurized milk. Testing is being recommended based on suspicion of the disease. HPAI is not a food safety concern as pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses.