New Findings Raise Biosecurity Concerns for the Dairy Sector
Fresh scientific evidence suggests that the H5N1 avian influenza virus can survive and spread through raw milk and certain unpasteurised dairy products, raising fresh concerns for animal health, food safety and dairy biosecurity.
Researchers have found that the virus remains viable in raw milk and can persist during the production and storage of raw milk cheeses, particularly under conditions where pasteurisation is absent. While the primary transmission route of H5N1 remains animal-to-animal and bird-to-mammal contact, the findings highlight a potential food-chain risk pathway that regulators and the dairy industry cannot ignore.
Raw Milk Identified as a Risk Vector
According to the researchers, raw milk provides a biologically favourable environment for the virus, allowing it to remain infectious for extended periods under refrigeration. In contrast, standard pasteurisation processes were shown to effectively inactivate the virus, reinforcing the role of heat treatment as a critical food safety barrier.
The findings are particularly relevant as several countries report H5N1 detections in dairy cattle, marking a shift in the virus’s epidemiological profile. While no confirmed human infections linked to dairy consumption have been reported, scientists caution that viral adaptation across species warrants heightened surveillance.
Implications for Raw Milk Cheese Producers
Artisanal and traditional raw milk cheese producers may face increased scrutiny as public health authorities reassess risk management frameworks. Extended ageing periods reduce viral viability, but short-aged or fresh cheeses made from unpasteurised milk could present higher exposure risks if sourced from infected animals.
Experts stress that strict herd health monitoring, routine testing, and rapid isolation of infected animals are essential to safeguard supply chains. Enhanced on-farm biosecurity and traceability will be critical to maintaining consumer confidence.
Pasteurisation Remains the Gold Standard
The research reinforces long-standing industry consensus that pasteurisation remains the most effective safeguard against milk-borne pathogens, including emerging zoonotic threats. Dairy processors are being urged to review contingency plans, particularly in regions experiencing avian influenza spillover events.
Regulators are also expected to evaluate whether temporary controls on raw milk sales may be necessary in high-risk zones to prevent wider transmission.
Industry Outlook
While the findings do not indicate an immediate consumer health crisis, they underline the growing intersection between animal disease and food safety. As zoonotic risks rise globally, the dairy industry faces increasing pressure to balance tradition, safety and science.
Proactive surveillance, transparent communication and adherence to proven processing standards will be essential to protecting both public health and market stability.
