Bird Flu Detected in Raw Milk | California Stores Issued New Recall

livewell
November 29, 2024
Noah Bennett

Intro

The public health department of California has issued a warning to the public about the bird flu virus in raw milk. The warning is related to a particular company that provides raw milk in the market. The company recalled the affected batch of raw milk after the state’s request. So far, there are no reports of people affected by the virus after drinking milk, but raw milk recall is precautionary measures. CDPH (California Department of Public Health) has urged citizens to prefer pasteurized milk instead of the raw option because the former is free from bird flu and other pathogens due to a specific and safe procedure.

The state government took these steps after detecting the H5N1 virus in a sample of raw milk. CDPH and many other official authorities advise against the consumption of raw milk due to the risks associated with harmful viruses and other pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, etc. In 2024, over 165 citizens of California became ill after drinking Salmonella-infected raw milk. It is the highest number of illnesses in the state in a decade.

Bird Flu Outbreak California

Since October 2024, California has reported 29 cases of bird flu in the state to people contacting directly with infected dairy cows. The state is taking precautionary measures to minimize or end these cases and prevent the person-to-person cases by taking special measures, including raw milk testing twice per week and regularly inspecting diaries and milk tanks.

The state is trying to prevent bird flu cases in the public through education and taking additional measures to protect dairy workers. For this purpose, the government is distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) to dairy farms and instructing safety protocols to workers who handle raw milk or infected cows.

H5N1 Cattle Virus

Research has proved that the H5N1 virus remains infectious for hours when present on equipment surfaces, including those equipment used in the milk industry, such as stainless steel. This highlights the necessity to prevent cases of viruses in workers and consumers by taking effective measures against bird flu in milk. Dairy workers are at a higher risk of these viruses due to their unintended exposure to these pathogens during cleaning and milking processes.

Pasteurized vs. Raw Milk

Pasteurization is a specific process that kills bacteria and other pathogens in the milk by heating it without affecting its nutrition content. Raw milk, on the other hand, may contain harmful viruses and bacteria. Health officials warn about several health issues after drinking raw milk contamination. These include kidney failures, miscarriages, and even death in severe cases.

Several unconfirmed benefits are associated with raw milk, but the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has rejected claims that it prevents or treats allergies and some illnesses. The federal government has taken some steps to prevent consumption of raw milk by preventing its sale from one state to another.

Despite no scientific evidence of benefits in raw milk, there are several famous proponents of this risky milk. One of these is Robert F. Kennedy Junior, the new possible head of the US Department of Health and Human Services.