As part of its One Health approach, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proactively monitoring dairy cattle for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Recent nationwide testing of both retail milk and raw milk at processing plants found no traces of HPAI.
Key Findings:
- Retail Milk (Pasteurized): 1,211 samples tested (all negative)
- Raw Milk at Processing Plants: 1,944 samples tested (all negative)
- Pasteurization Study: Confirmed pasteurization effectively inactivates HPAI
- HPAI in Cattle: No confirmed cases in Canada
Milk sold in Canada is safe to consume, as pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses. HPAI remains a reportable disease, and ongoing surveillance helps ensure early detection if introduced into the national herd.
