Drinking raw milk has always been a controversial choice, but recent events have made it even riskier. The outbreak of bird flu in the United States has now been linked to unpasteurized milk sold in California.
Health officials in California have discovered highly pathogenic avian influenza in raw milk for sale in Fresno, a county in Los Angeles. The county health department has issued a warning, stating that retailers in Los Angeles may have sold contaminated raw milk from The Raw Farm, which has since been voluntarily recalled.
The affected raw milk products, specifically ‘cream top, raw milk’ with a best buy date of November 27, should be removed from shelves by retailers who sold them. Inspectors will be ensuring compliance with this directive to prevent any potential health risks.
Although no cases of bird flu from the contaminated raw milk have been reported, the public health department strongly advises against consuming any of the affected products due to the ongoing spread of H5 bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases.
The outbreak of avian influenza among dairy cows in California is a concerning development. The virus has been spreading through milk, leading to thick and discolored milk in acutely ill animals.
Since the outbreak, over 400 dairy farms in California have reported cases of avian influenza among their livestock. While there have been just over 50 human cases of bird flu, the virus has not yet shown the ability to spread from human to human.
Health officials emphasize the importance of pasteurization in controlling the spread of avian influenza. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a high temperature to kill harmful germs without compromising its nutritional value.
While California allows the sale of raw milk with warning labels, recent reports suggest that many dairy farms in the state have not taken adequate precautions against avian influenza. Consumers, especially high-risk individuals, are advised to avoid consuming raw milk.
Research indicates that about 4 percent of adults in the US consume unpasteurized milk annually. Despite the low overall threat from contaminated raw milk, the risks of consuming pathogens like listeria, salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli are significant and can impact individual and community health.
With the addition of bird flu to the list of potential risks associated with raw milk consumption, it is crucial for consumers to prioritize safety and choose pasteurized milk products to protect their health.
