A study conducted in the US in April 2024 investigated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in pasteurized retail dairy products following its detection in raw milk from dairy cattle in March 2024. A total of 297 samples of Grade A pasteurized dairy products from 17 US states were collected and tested. Viral RNA was detected in 60 samples (20.2%), with titer equivalents up to 5.4 log10 50% egg infectious doses (EID50) per ml. However, no infectious virus was detected in any of the samples when tested in embryonating chicken eggs. The study confirmed that the detected viral RNA was from clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV. The results indicate that while viral RNA was present in some samples, infectious virus did not enter the US pasteurized milk supply before control measures were implemented in dairy cattle. The study highlights the effectiveness of existing milk safety measures, including pasteurization and milk quality controls, in preventing infectious virus from entering the food supply. The findings provide evidence that HPAIV did not reach the retail milk supply before control measures were put in place. The study also notes that the milk distribution system is complex, with milk often processed in different states than where it was produced. Despite the presence of viral RNA in some samples, the absence of infectious virus suggests that the virus was likely inactivated during pasteurization or by other factors. The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and the effectiveness of current safety measures in preventing the spread of HPAIV in the dairy industry.A study conducted in the US in April 2024 investigated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in pasteurized retail dairy products following its detection in raw milk from dairy cattle in March 2024. A total of 297 samples of Grade A pasteurized dairy products from 17 US states were collected and tested. Viral RNA was detected in 60 samples (20.2%), with titer equivalents up to 5.4 log10 50% egg infectious doses (EID50) per ml. However, no infectious virus was detected in any of the samples when tested in embryonating chicken eggs. The study confirmed that the detected viral RNA was from clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV. The results indicate that while viral RNA was present in some samples, infectious virus did not enter the US pasteurized milk supply before control measures were implemented in dairy cattle. The study highlights the effectiveness of existing milk safety measures, including pasteurization and milk quality controls, in preventing infectious virus from entering the food supply. The findings provide evidence that HPAIV did not reach the retail milk supply before control measures were put in place. The study also notes that the milk distribution system is complex, with milk often processed in different states than where it was produced. Despite the presence of viral RNA in some samples, the absence of infectious virus suggests that the virus was likely inactivated during pasteurization or by other factors. The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and the effectiveness of current safety measures in preventing the spread of HPAIV in the dairy industry.