The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun collecting and testing samples of aged, raw cow’s milk cheese for the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), better known as bird flu, Food Safety News reported.

Although bird flu has been around for a while, University Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bryan Alsip said its dangers are still prevalent.

Raw, unpasteurized milk is a known vector of bird flu when derived from infected cow herds. It can also contain pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, and both Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria.

FDA may impose measures ‘such as a recall, follow-up inspection or other possible responses to protect public health’