This research has been done by scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in the US. They have published their results in the New England Journal of Medicine (Reference) is published in.
Fell sick after drinking 20 drops of milk
The researchers fed the mice about 20 drops of milk. On the first day of the study, the mice began to show signs of illness, including swelling and lethargy. The mice were kept alive until the fourth day, then the scientists killed them and examined the levels of the virus in their various organs.
The virus had entered the nose and lungs
The tests found that the amount of virus was very high in the nasal passages, respiratory tract and lungs of mice. Whereas in other parts of the body, the amount of virus was found to be less or at least slightly more. These results are similar to the results found in other mammals.
the virus had entered the throat
Researchers say the infection probably occurred through the throat. In addition, they also found H5N1 in the mammary glands of two mice, which is similar to the results found in cows.
Can it affect humans as well?
This research has been done on rats. More research is needed to determine its effect on humans. But this research definitely highlights the dangers of drinking raw milk.
what happened when the milk was heated
The researchers investigated the temperature and time needed to inactivate the H5N1 virus. They heated milk samples to 145°F (62.8°C) and found that heating for different time intervals of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes completely killed the virus. However, heating for shorter periods of time (15 and 20 seconds) at 161.6°F (71.7°C) weakened the virus but did not completely inactivate it.
What happened by keeping the milk in the fridge?
In a second experiment on infected milk samples, scientists found that virus levels decreased only slightly after storing the milk at 39.2°F (4°C) for 5 weeks. This means that the virus can remain infectious even in raw milk stored in a refrigerator.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
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