Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Stability in Irradiated Raw Milk and Wastewater and on Surfaces, United States.

We measured stability of infectious influenza A(H5N1) virus in irradiated raw milk and wastewater and on surfaces. We found a relatively slow decay in milk, indicating that contaminated milk and fomites pose transmission risks. Although the risk is low, our results call for caution in milk handling and disposal from infected cattle.