Background
In April of 2024, studies in the United States (US) identified the presence of influenza A(H5N1) viral RNA in 20%–40% of commercially available pasteurized milk in the US, suggesting that cattle infections were widespread across the country.
Methods
As an initial assessment of the situation in Ontario, 117 samples of pasteurized cow’s milk purchased from retail outlets in Ontario in April and May of 2024 were tested for the presence of influenza A viral RNA.
Results
No influenza A viral RNA was detected.
Conclusion
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has subsequently developed an ongoing surveillance system for testing commercially available pasteurized milk and raw milk at processing plants in Canada.