In response to growing concerns about the potential spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus following its detection in U.S. dairy cattle, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have undertaken testing measures to ensure the safety of commercially sold milk. CFIA have confirmed, as of May 14, samples of retail milk across Canada show “no evidence” of the virus.

Following the recent outbreak of avian flu among cattle in the U.S., as well as the confirmed infection of a Texas dairy worker, Canadian officials have tightened import requirements on U.S. breeding cattle.

As per Reuters, CFIA laboratories tested 142 retail milk samples across the country. Results confirmed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s assessment, which reported no signs of live virus in retail milk but cautions against the consumption of unpasteurized milk.

In a recent notice, Canadian officials stated, “We understand that Canadians may be concerned about the safety of milk and milk products… The method used to test foods for (H5N1) is very sensitive and will detect fragments of the virus, even if the virus is not infectious.”