The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has commenced the collection of aged raw cow's milk cheese samples across the United States to test for the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus. This initiative is in response to an ongoing series of outbreaks affecting multiple states, as detailed in a recent announcement on Monday by the agency. The sample collection is expected to conclude by the end of March 2025, although the timeline may be extended if necessary (ABC News).

The FDA intends to collect approximately 300 samples of raw cow's milk cheese from warehouses and distribution centers throughout the nation. Each cheese sample must be aged for a minimum of 60 days, in compliance with existing regulations that aim to mitigate the risk of pathogens. During this testing phase, samples will be subjected to PCR tests designed to detect genetic material associated with the virus, with results expected within a week. If any sample indicates the virus, further viability testing will be performed to assess whether the virus is capable of replicating (The Hill).

Raw milk cheese, which is prepared using unpasteurized milk, has been flagged by the FDA as a potential vector for various pathogens including E. coli and salmonella. The agency cautions against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, as these items are considered high-risk choices for public health. Historically, nearly all commercial milk in the U.S. undergoes pasteurization, a process effective at eliminating viruses, including those associated with avian influenza (Independent).

Overall, the U.S. has confirmed 66 human cases of bird flu since the initial report in April, primarily involving individuals in close contact with infected livestock. California reported the highest number of cases, totaling 36. The FDA emphasized the importance of monitoring and responding to any outbreaks, indicating that samples testing positive for the virus would lead to "case-by-case evaluations" and potential actions such as recalls or inspections (ABC News).

As concerns continue over the potential for bird flu transmission through dairy products, public health authorities are stressing the necessity of stringent testing and vigilant monitoring within the food supply.