Milk Acidification Offers Affordable Solution for Dairy Farms to Contain Bird Flu Virus
Holstein calf feeds from a bottle of colostrum milk at the UC Davis dairy barn. A recent study by researchers at UC Davis reveals that acidifying waste milk can effectively neutralize H5N1, the virus responsible for bird flu. (Photo: Richard Van Vleck Pereira / UC Davis)
IRA VELDKAMP, Calif. — Controlling the spread of H5N1, the virus that causes bird flu, in dairy farms has been a challenging task. Pasteurization is acknowledged as the go-to method, but it comes with a hefty price tag and is not universally used, particularly among large dairy operations.
Milk considered waste includes colostrum, the initial milk after cows give birth; milk from cattle receiving antibiotic treatments; or any milk deemed unsuitable for human consumption. Raw waste milk can act as a vector for avian flu, affecting dairy cattle across 16 states in the U.S.
University of California, Davis (UC Davis) researchers have introduced acidification as a viable, cost-effective alternative to pasteurization. This method, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, uses citric acid to deactivate H5N1 in waste milk.
“The cost of setting up pasteurization on farms can be quite substantial,” commented Richard Van Vleck Pereira, co-corresponding author and veterinary epidemiologist at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “Our experiments showed that milk acidified to a pH of 4.1 to 4.2 through citric acid treatment effectively deactivates the H5N1 virus.”
Field Testing and Implementation
Following their initial success in the lab, the UC Davis research team is set to conduct on-farm trials with waste milk containing H5N1. Their goal is to develop straightforward, actionable guidelines for dairy farmers.
A Sustainable Approach
Citric acid is an economical option, and the acidification technique is harmless to pre-weaned calves. The procedure executes within six hours and requires no refrigeration, further minimizing costs and enhancing safety for farm workers.
This method benefits both hobby farmers with a few cattle and large commercial dairy operations. “Our priority was to create a viral deactivation process that’s affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all farmers,” Pereira explained.
Milk acidification is already employed by some dairy farms to curtail bacterial contamination without harming calves. Lowering the milk pH to levels that are inhospitable to bacteria naturally deters spoilage.
The UC Davis study team envisions acidification as a groundbreaking strategy to confine the spread of H5N1, safeguarding livestock, pets, and humans alike.
Additional Contributors
The study received contributions from Beate Crossley and Daniel Rejmanek of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory at UC Davis. Craig Miramontes and Rodrigo Gallardo from the same university’s Department of Population Health and Reproduction also played key roles.
Funding and Further Steps
Funding for the research was provided by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. As the study advances to field tests, the results are anticipated to offer practical solutions to the industry.
To further cement the practicality of this method, UC Davis plans to create comprehensive guidelines tailored to the diverse needs and operational sizes of dairy farms.
With the significant threat posed by avian influenza, acidification provides a promising and unconventional approach to ensure the safety and health of cattle and people.
“We believe this acidification method opens a novel avenue for containing H5N1 within dairy environments,” Periera emphasized.
–University of California – Davis
Your Opinion Matters
This groundbreaking study offers a sustainable solution that could profoundly impact the dairy industry. We value your insights and experiences. Share your thoughts on milk acidification as a solution for containing bird flu virus in dairy farms. Is this a viable approach for your operation? Do you have concerns or questions about its implementation? Leave your comments below and join the discussion.
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