Study Confirms Pasteurisation Effectively Neutralises H5N1 in Milk

Importantly, laboratory animals that were exposed to this pasteurised milk showed no signs of infection or illness, underscoring the effectiveness of the pasteurisation process. This conclusion supports the safety of properly pasteurised milk, even when sourced from herds infected with H5N1. However, the study highlights the continued health risks associated with unpasteurised or raw-milk products, which should be strictly avoided to prevent zoonotic transmission.

For the dairy sector, the study reinforces pasteurisation as an essential safeguard in milk processing. Experts in the field are urging processors to maintain strict time-temperature controls, ensure rigorous traceability, and communicate transparently to sustain consumer confidence. As concerns about zoonotic transmission increase, this evidence underscores the need for continued investment in hygienic processing and robust quality systems to ensure the resilience and safety of the dairy value chain.