Bird Flu Virus Detected in California Raw Milk Product
California Health Officials Announce Contamination in Raw Milk Sample
The bird flu virus has been detected in a retail sample of raw milk from a California-based dairy farm, as cases continue to rise across the state, health officials announced.
Contaminated Raw Milk Product
The contaminated sample came from Fresno-based Raw Farm, the largest producer and retailer of raw dairy in California. The tainted sample was detected by officials from the Santa Clara County public health office, which has been testing raw milk already placed in retail stores across the state "as a second line of consumer protection."
Voluntary Recall Issued
Raw Farms has since issued a voluntary recall of all quart and half-gallon milk products produced on November 9. The products are set to expire on November 27 and have the lot ID #20241109. No cases associated with the Raw Farms products have been reported yet.
Expert Weighs in
"This isn’t surprising, given how quickly H5N1 seems to be spreading among farms in California and given the fact that these outbreaks on farms are being discovered in large part due to bulk testing of raw milk from farms," Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, told the Los Angeles Times. "What we don’t know is how much risk H5N1 poses to people that drink unpasteurized, infected milk."
History of Contamination
This is not the first time Raw Farm has accidentally placed contaminated products on the market. In February, the company had to issue a recall of its raw cheddar cheese products that were linked to an E. coli outbreak across multiple states. The dairy company was also tied to a salmonella outbreak in October 2023 that infected at least 165 people.
Bird Flu Risk
Nuzzo told the Los Angeles Times that findings from recent animal studies indicate that the bird flu virus "could pose a risk if ingested in large enough quantities, but we have not yet seen human cases resulting from raw milk consumption. Given that ingestion of raw milk has no credible health benefits, I personally would avoid drinking it."
Recent Developments
Just last week, a child was reported to have contracted the bird flu – the first youth case in California. Investigators still aren’t sure how he caught it, but have ruled out contact with infected dairy – including raw milk – or poultry animals. So far, the Golden State has seen 29 positive cases, all in dairy workers except for the child. Only 55 cases of bird flu have been reported nationwide, with California making up about half of all cases.
Conclusion
The detection of the bird flu virus in a retail sample of raw milk from a California-based dairy farm serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. While no human cases have been reported yet, experts warn that the risk of infection is still present.
FAQs
Q: What is the bird flu virus?
A: The bird flu virus, officially known as H5N1, is a type of influenza A virus that can infect birds and mammals, including humans.
Q: How did the bird flu virus get into the raw milk product?
A: The exact method of transmission is still under investigation, but it is believed to have occurred through contact with infected cows or contaminated milk.
Q: Is there a risk of infection from consuming raw milk products?
A: Yes, there is a risk of infection from consuming raw milk products, particularly if they are contaminated with the bird flu virus.
Q: What should I do if I have consumed raw milk products with the affected lot number?
A: If you have consumed raw milk products with the affected lot number, you are advised to discard the products and monitor your health for any symptoms of the bird flu.
