Research so far has shown that virus particles end up in the milk of infected cows, but that pasteurization will inactivate the virus.
As the H5N1 avian flu virus continues to spread in poultry flocks and dairy cattle, consumers may worry about whether the U.S. milk supply is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the answer is yes, as long as the milk is pasteurized.