Bird flu virus found in raw milk from a Fresno, California dairy farm

The recent detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in raw milk from Raw Farm dairy in Fresno, California, raises significant public health concerns. According to reports, California health officials confirmed the presence of the virus in a batch of cream top whole raw milk produced on November 9, which is set to expire on November 27 . Although no illnesses have been reported directly linked to this specific product recall, experts caution against consumption due to the potential risks associated with avian influenza.

While the human health implications of drinking H5N1-laced milk are unknown, scientists who study the virus have been fearful of what consuming milk containing the virus could do. Milk that comes directly from infected cows contains extremely high levels of virus. In laboratory studies, raw milk consumption triggers severe disease in some animal models. And there have been multiple reports of dead cats on farms with H5N1-infected cows.

RAW FARM says the affected lot (labeled with code 20241109) comprises only quart and half-gallon fluid milk sizes with the expiration date of 11/27/24.

State health officials say the detection was in a retail sample.

Raw Farm says their tests have come back negative.

The CDPH says no illnesses associated with this batch have been reported.

Consumers are urged to immediately return the milk to whatever store they purchased it from for a free replacement or refund.

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. 

The virus has also been detected in wastewater sites in Santa Clara County, including Palo Alto, San Jose, Gilroy, and Sunnyvale.

The implications of this discovery are multifaceted. The ongoing spread of bird flu among poultry and dairy cows has heightened awareness regarding food safety and zoonotic diseases. While laboratory studies indicate that H5N1 can cause severe illness in some animals, its effects on human health remain largely unknown. As such, health officials have advised retailers to remove affected products from shelves and urged consumers to return any remaining stock for safety reasons.

 Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• La Liga match: Barcelona vs. Mallorca live stream, predictable lineups and match news
• Nantes vs. Paris Saint-Germain - prediction, free online live stream , lineups
• Arsenal Faces Crystal Palace: Key Match Details and Team Updates