Traces of avian flu have been found in the unpasteurized milk of some sick cattle in the United States, but a dairy farmer here does not foresee any impact on local operations.
As a result, the federal government is requiring that dairy cattle being imported from the US be tested for the virus.
They stress that avian flu has not been detected in any livestock in Canada.
Further, they say milk is required to be pasteurized in Canada; that process kills harmful bacteria and viruses, and such milk is safe to consume.
As it pertains to the consumption of beef, they say all evidence indicates that thorough cooking kills the virus, and the risk of transmission to humas remains low.
Owner of Pondview Farms and founding member of the new NL Dairy Co-Op, Crosbie Williams, doesn’t believe operations will be impacted.
He says the dairy industry is out in front of the situation, voluntary testing is ongoing, and the risk remains extremely low for pasteurized milk.