John raised concerns about avian flu outbreaks and the continued availability of raw milk. I explained that raw milk is nutritionally unnecessary and hazardous under any circumstances, because it can harbor bacteria that cause diseases such as Brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. Pasteurization is vital for effectively neutralizing infectious agents.
We also discussed alarming reports of 200 dead Snow Geese in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, a heavily agricultural area. I noted that such incidents are warning signs, especially with recent outbreaks of avian flu in Delaware and Maryland that have led to the culling of 130 million birds nationwide.
When John asked about California’s response, I noted I hadn’t heard of any specific measures but emphasized preventive actions individuals should take, especially avoiding contact with dead or wild birds or other animals.
John inquired whether hospitals were prepared for human cases, and I explained that most could not test specifically for avian flu, meaning actual cases are likely undercounted. I stressed the need for improved surveillance, protective measures for workers in animal husbandry, and ramped-up vaccine production for livestock.
Here is the entire conversation.
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Henry I. Miller, MS, MD
Henry I. Miller, MS, MD, is the Glenn Swogger Distinguished Fellow at the American Council on Science and Health. His research focuses on public policy toward science, technology, and medicine, encompassing a number of areas, including pharmaceutical development, genetic engineering, models for regulatory reform, precision medicine, and the emergence of new viral diseases. Dr. Miller served for fifteen years at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a number of posts, including as the founding director of the Office of Biotechnology.
