Bird flu virus was found in raw milk

By COT - Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - No Comments

Trump Health Nominee Advocates for Raw Milk Amid Bird Flu Concerns in California

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the nation’s top health position, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has pledged to expand access to raw milk across the U.S. However, the recent detection of the bird flu virus in unpasteurized milk sold in California highlights the risks emphasized by health experts.

“Unpasteurized milk inherently carries potential infectious agents that can cause serious illness,” said Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert from the University of Minnesota, who has investigated foodborne outbreaks.

Last week, Raw Farm LLC in Fresno, California, issued a voluntary recall of its “cream top” raw milk after Santa Clara County health officials detected the bird flu virus during routine testing. The recalled milk, with a lot code of 20241109 and a best-by date of Nov. 27, had not been linked to any illnesses. Still, state health officials have urged consumers to avoid drinking the milk and retailers to remove it from shelves.

Bird Flu and Raw Milk: What We Know

The virus, also known as H5N1 influenza, was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle earlier this year and has since spread extensively, particularly in California, where over 435 dairy herds have been infected—more than any other state. Testing by government scientists has revealed that pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, along with harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.

While bird flu has yet to infect humans through raw milk consumption, experts remain cautious. Studies show that animals fed raw milk containing the virus, such as mice and farm cats, suffered severe illness and death. Nicole Martin, a microbiologist at Cornell University, emphasized the need for vigilance: “We don’t yet know if humans can contract H5N1 from drinking raw milk, but there’s enough evidence to warrant caution.”

The Appeal of Raw Milk

Raw milk consumption remains a niche but notable trend in the U.S., with around 11 million adults drinking it annually. Advocates claim it offers superior taste and potential health benefits. Prominent supporters include Kennedy himself, who has vowed to end the FDA’s restrictions on raw milk.

Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee, whose products have been consumed by Kennedy, said raw milk offers a “safe, delicious, and complete” alternative to pasteurized options.

Health Officials Issue Warnings

Despite its appeal, raw milk has long been associated with foodborne illnesses. Between 1998 and 2018, the CDC documented over 200 outbreaks tied to raw milk, leading to 2,600 illnesses and more than 225 hospitalizations. Experts credit pasteurization with dramatically reducing dairy-related illnesses in the U.S.

“Raw milk poses real risks,” Osterholm warned. “The bird flu outbreak underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards in protecting public health.”

News Ticker