According to a new study, raw milk, which is marketed as a natural and healthful alternative to pasteurised dairy, may contain hidden hazards. The research found that the influenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. The findings come at a time when outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. The study was conducted by Stanford University.
“This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurization,” said study senior author Alexandria Boehm, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Professor of Environmental Studies in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering.
More than 14 million Americans consume raw milk annually. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk is not heated to kill potentially harmful pathogens. Proponents of raw milk claim that it leaves more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics than in pasteurized milk, and can boost immune and gastrointestinal health.
The Food and Drug Administration has tied raw milk to over 200 outbreaks of illnesses, and – together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – warns that germs, such E. coli and Salmonella, in raw milk present “serious” health risks, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The researchers explored the persistence of a strain of human influenza virus in raw cow’s milk at typical refrigeration temperatures. The flu virus, called H1N1 PR8, survived and remained infectious in the milk for up to five days.
“The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways,” said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering. “The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans.”
Additionally, the researchers found that flu virus RNA – molecules that carry genetic information but are not considered a health risk – remained detectable in the raw milk for at least 57 days. By comparison, pasteurization completely destroyed infectious influenza in the milk and reduced the amount of viral RNA by almost 90%, but didn’t eliminate the RNA entirely. Although exposure to influenza virus RNA does not pose a health risk, RNA-based testing methods are often used to conduct environmental surveillance of pathogens like influenza.
“The prolonged persistence of viral RNA in both raw and pasteurized milk has implications for food safety assessments and environmental surveillance, particularly because many of the techniques used in environmental surveillance detect RNA,” said study co-lead author Alessandro Zulli, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering.
The research grew out of an earlier project – funded by the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment’s Environmental Venture Projects program – focused on human norovirus and the subfamily of viruses responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the U.S. alone, flu viruses infect more than 40 million people and kill more than 50,000 every year. These types of viruses can spread from animals to humans, as in the case of swine flu, which led to as many as 1.4 billion human infections globally in 2009-2010.
Although bird flu has not proven as dangerous to people yet, it could mutate to become so. Recent detection of bird flu in cattle has raised questions about its potential transmission through milk and other dairy products.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of improving monitoring systems, particularly as bird flu continues to spread among livestock, according to the study’s authors.
The study complements earlier research involving several of the same researchers that pioneered the use of wastewater for detection of avian influenza. That analysis revealed commercial and industrial dairy waste as primary sources. By analyzing wastewater, public health officials could detect virus activity in nearby cattle populations.
“We never thought that wastewater could be used to detect and respond to zoonotic pathogens circulating in the community,” Boehm said. “It has been amazing to watch our work on detection in wastewater scaled across the United States and the world.”
(Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
SAUK RAPIDS — New London’s own Blake Schultz potted the game-winning goal in Granite City’s shutout win against the Willmar WarHawks in an NA3HL West Division game on Saturday.
The left-handed forward scored shorthanded for his second goal of the season in the middle frame in the Lumberjacks’ 3-0 victory against Willmar.
Granite City is an undefeated 11-0-0-0 in the division and the WarHawks are 4-6-0-0.
Kai Girard had a busy night between the pipes for Willmar. The goaltender from Chaska made 50 saves on 53 shots faced, good for a .943 save percentage.
Granite City got a pair of third-period insurance goals from Seth Terhell and Patty Dunaiski. It marked the fourth tally of the season for Terhell, who is from Cambridge, and the fifth goal for Dunaiski, who is from Cloquet.
The WarHawks host the Minnesota Wilderness for another NA3HL West Division game at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday at Willmar Civic Center Arena.
Granite City 3, Willmar 0
Willmar (4-6-0-0) 0 0 0 — 0
Granite City (11-0-0-0) 0 1 2 — 3
FIRST PERIOD – No scoring. PENALTIES: (1) W: Jett Wheeler (checking from behind-minor), 7:16 … (2) W: Gabriel Adams (hooking-minor), 13:17 … (3) GC: Bryden Prelvitz (elbowing-minor), 16:01.
SECOND PERIOD – (1) GC: Blake Schultz 2 (Connor Miller 4), 11:38 SH. PENALTIES: (4) GC: Seth Terhell (cross checking-minor), 9:43 … (5) W: Adams (cross checking-minor), 14:01 … (6) GC: Prelvitz (too many men-minor), 16:08.
Michael Lyne joined the West Central Tribune as a sports reporter in May 2022, following his graduation from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he graduated with a bachelors degree in journalism and a minor degree in Spanish studies.
You may reach Michael at mlyne@wctrib.com, or by calling (320) 214-4345.
Week 6 is on the horizon for the Florida High School Athletic Association football season, and that means one thing for a majority of teams: district play begins, and the playoff picture starts to become more and more clear.
On the eve of district play, several teams found success last weekend. Some of those teams continued hot streaks – including Jay and Tate, both remaining undefeated; and Booker T. Washington, now on a three-game win streak – while others got a rebound win, including Pensacola Catholic and Navarre.
Pensacola Catholic stays on top as the area’s best team in the poll, following a shutout of Pine Forest. Jay jumped up in the ranking, while a couple notable teams dropped – that’s always expected as the season gets going.
Here’s the latest PNJ Power Poll heading into Week 6 of the Florida high school football season.
1. Pensacola Catholic (3-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Week 5 result: 23-0 win vs. Pine Forest
Week 6 game: 7:30 p.m. on Friday vs. Freeport
Coming off a tough loss to Montgomery Catholic (Ala.), the Crusaders got a big win over Pine Forest. The defense was flying all over the field, allowing less than 50 yards of total offense and recording a pair of interceptions. The Crusaders showed why they continue to be a top team in the area, and will look to continue that against a Freeport team that’s taken some bigger losses this season. Expect the run game to be in full force against the Bulldogs, who have allowed over 1,000 yards rushing this season.
2. Tate (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Week 5 result: 42-7 win at West Florida
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Thursday vs. Navarre
The Aggies got back to another dominating win over the Jaguars, continuing to show off the high-powered offense that Tate boasted over the first couple weeks of the season. It was another well-balanced attack against West Florida, and Tate’s offense should be effective against the Raiders’ defense. Plus a strong Aggie defense against the run game might plague Navarre.
3. Pace (3-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Week 5 result: 42-13 win at Andalusia (Ala.)
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday at Crestview
Pace continues to pile on the points after suffering a tough loss against Pensacola Catholic. The Patriots have posted 97 points in two games, with Ben Tyner finding his groove at quarterback last week, throwing for 171 yards. Makael Williams also had a strong performance with 145 yards rushing. The duo combined for all six touchdowns. The Patriots kick off their district schedule against Crestview, which is coming off back-to-back losses against Choctaw and Niceville.
4. Jay (5-0)
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Week 5 result: 23-13 win vs. Chipley
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday at Flomaton (Ala.)
It’s surely a winning feeling in Jay. Head coach Brian Watson said the team’s shutout over Baker was for the community in the War on Highway 4. But the win over Chipley was to prove that the Royals aren’t to be taken lightly. Hayden Morris proved his value as a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 68 yards and rushing for 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The run game has been working against most opponents. The defense surrendered more than one touchdown for the first time this season. Jay crosses the border to face a struggling Flomaton squad that hasn’t won since the end of August.
5. Escambia (2-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Week 5 result: 38-13 loss at Mosley
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday at Booker T. Washington
Escambia has gone up and down all season long so far, and if you just look at the Gators’ schedule, it’s relatively easy to understand why. Escambia topped a struggling West Florida team and overcame some self-inflicted wounds against Bay in Weeks 1 and 3. But had a tough time against undefeated powers in Niceville and Mosley. Now, the Gators start district play and will look to air it out against a younger Booker T. Washington squad in the secondary. Nino Freeman had 140 yards in the air with a touchdown, and will look to continue the strong play.
6. Pensacola (2-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 7
Week 5 result: Bye
Week6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday vs. Bay
Fresh off a bye week, it’s been a season to remember so far for Pensacola, winning a pair of games for the first time since 2018. AG Floyd has found his way through a couple defenses. Now the Tigers will go against their first district foe that has had a tough couple games, including an overtime loss to Escambia. Bay allowed 300-plus yards rushing last week against Madison County. Can Floyd, among others, exploit that same defense?
7. Pine Forest (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 6
Week 5 result: 23-0 loss at Pensacola Catholic
Week 6 game: Bye
Pine Forest is taking its bye week during Week 6 after a tough outing at Pensacola Catholic, where the Eagles were shut out for the first time since Nov. 6, 2020, when they lost to West Florida. For the most part, it wasn’t Pine Forest’s defense that was the problem, able to limit a strong pass game from Pensacola Catholic. The young offense just couldn’t get anything going, resulting in some long-down situations against a Crusader defense that made the Eagles pay. Week 6 looks like it might be a good reset for Pine Forest.
8. Navarre (1-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 9
Week 5 result: 15-13 win vs. Milton
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Thursday at Tate
Navarre picked up its first win Oct. 27, 2023, when the Raiders beat Gulf Breeze in overtime during the Beach Bowl. It’s a much different Navarre roster this year, however, and the defense pulled out a big win over Milton when Andre Spence forced a fumble at the Raider 1-yard line to prevent the Panthers from scoring. Navarre will need an equally strong defense to go up against Tate’s offense, which has been able to exploit defenses both in the air and on the ground, especially between Demorion Clay Jr. and Carson Secchiari.
9. Booker T. Washington (3-2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 10
Week 5 result: 16-6 win at Gulf Breeze
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday vs. Escambia
Booker T. Washington has won three consecutive games for the first time since 2019, when the Wildcats won eight consecutive games to start that year. Booker T. has a younger team that’s battled through the gauntlet the last few games, and the schedule only gets tougher with a home game against Escambia. The Booker T. defense will need to stand strong against the Gators’ run game, while trying to drain plenty of clock in the Wildcats’ own run game.
10. Gulf Breeze (1-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
Week 5 result: 16-6 loss vs. Booker T. Washington
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday at Niceville
Facing the injury bug, the Dolphins have had a tough go at it since their dramatic Week 1 victory against South Walton. Finally snapping a scoreless streak against Booker T. Washington, Gulf Breeze now faces its toughest team yet: Niceville, which is undefeated and one of the top teams in the state. The Gulf Breeze defense is going to have to block a by-committee run offense that the Eagles boast, and it might just be too much to handle for a young Dolphin squad.
11. Northview (2-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 11
Week 5 result: 34-27 loss at Holmes County
Week 6 game: 7 p.m. on Friday vs. Escambia County (Ala.)
Similar to Escambia, Northview has had an up and down handful of weeks as a newer roster tries to work through the 2024 season against some tough opponents. Most recently, Holmes County, ranked ninth in the rural classification, was on the docket. But Northview was right there, going toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the Panhandle. The Chiefs host Escambia County (Ala.), which has had a few tough losses the last three weeks. The Blue Devils gave up over 340 yards of offense. Can Northview crack the code this week?
12. West Florida (1-4)
Last week’s ranking: No. 12
Week 5 result: 42-7 loss vs. Tate
Week 6 game: Bye
Now on a three game losing streak, West Florida enters Week 6 with a week to reset on a bye. The Jaguars have given up 40-plus points in their last two losses with their younger defense. West Florida has a week now to work on its primary run game, the option run, to go against Gulf Breeze in Week 7 that has a pretty strong run-game defense up front between players like Kade Rollins, Anthony Lee and Noah Perez.
13. Milton (0-5)
Last week’s ranking: No. 13
Week 5 result: 15-13 loss at Navarre
Week 6 game: 7:30 p.m. on Friday vs. Mosley
So close, yet so far. Milton came within striking distance to take a late lead over Navarre, but a fumble prevented the Panthers from finding the win column over the Raiders. Now, it’s an even tougher test going against undefeated Mosley this week for a district contest. None of the Dolphins’ games have been all that close, averaging 43 points a game. The Panthers have played in a handful of close defensive battles, and need their defense to step up to have a chance.
14. Central (0-3)
Last week’s ranking: No. 14
Week 5 result: Bye
Week 6 game: 6 p.m. on Saturday at Rocky Bayou Christian
The newest team to Santa Rosa County is coming off an originally unplanned bye week, with the Jaguars initially slated to play Graceville before the latter canceled its season. Now Central has a weekend affair on Saturday at Rocky Bayou Christian, which has lost its last two games. This could be a tight contest on Saturday if Central can keep up on offense.
The seventh-ranked Virginia women’s soccer team picked up its second road win of the season on Sunday, downing JMU by a score of 3-0 at Sentara Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After some early chances, the Cavaliers (5-0-0) broke through in the 21st minute with a goal from Maggie Cagle. A clearance went straight to a Virginia player in the attacking third and the Hoos jumped on the opportunity.
The ball was immediately played to Allie Ross in the penalty arc. Ross lay the all off to her left where Cagle was making her run and the junior forward slotted it in past the near post from 10 yards out.
Virginia doubled the lead in the 41st minute with a fortuitous goal from Ella Carter off a corner kick. Alexis Theoret drove the ball low into the sixth and it was punched out by the keeper. The ball didn’t go far, however, as it struck Cater in the chest as she made her run on goal and rocketed back in net for the 2-0 lead.
The Cavaliers net a third goal in the 83rd minute off another corner kick from the right side of the field. Theoret delivered the ball to the back post where Laney Rouse was set up just outside the six.
Rouse headed the ball down and Maki used her knee to redirect the ball off the bounce, sending it up and over the diving keeper for the score.
With the win, Virginia leads the series with JMU 24-1-2 and has won 12 straight in the series.
Maggie Cagle’s goal was her fourth of the season, the 16th goal of her career and her seventh game winner.
Ella Carter and Kiki Maki each hit their first collegiate goal in the win over the Dukes (1-2-2).
Virginia has now had nine different players find the net this season.
Victoria Safradin posted her third solo shutout of the season as she moved to 5-0-0 in goal.
FROM HEAD COACH STEVE SWANSON
“We raised our level in the attacking phase and we were better in buildup. JMU does a good job in staying organized and trying to keep the play on one side. We did a good job of switching the point and getting open on the opposite side. We caused some problems with that.
“Overall it was a good performance from start to finish and it was nice to see players like Kiki and Ella get some goals. We got good contributions from our bench and our depth is coming through now. We have another road game coming up with VCU, which is always a tough game, so we have to be ready for that one.”
UP NEXT
Virginia continues play on the road on Thursday when the Cavaliers travel to Richmond to take on VCU. Kick is set for 7 p.m. at Sports Backers Stadium.
