California state officials have halted raw milk sales by Raw Farm, a Fresno-based dairy company, following concerns over potential bird flu contamination. The suspension, effective Thursday, prevents Raw Farm from distributing raw dairy products to retailers, though items already on shelves may still be sold, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued warnings about consuming specific batches of raw milk from Raw Farm LLC. On Sunday, the CDPH advised residents to return affected products, including a batch of cream-top, whole raw milk from November 9. Raw Farm has voluntarily recalled the affected lot code, 20241109.
Contradictory Test Results Spark Action
The suspension comes after conflicting test results on Raw Farm products. While county health officials detected bird flu in raw milk purchased from stores, state officials did not initially find the virus in bulk tests. However, a new round of testing on Wednesday confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, prompting the sales ban.
Mark McAfee, Raw Farm’s owner, acknowledged that his cows are infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. He explained that the animals appeared symptom-free due to their robust health, delaying his awareness of the infection.
Rise in Bird Flu Cases Nationwide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in human cases of the H5N1 bird flu, with 55 infections documented across seven states as of Friday. California accounts for most of these cases. Last week, the first avian influenza H5 infection in a child was confirmed in the U.S., though the child’s condition remains unclear.
Dr. Marcela Uhart, a wildlife veterinarian at the University of California, Davis, highlighted the virus’s widespread presence. “This virus is circulating left and right in mammals and birds, some of which show no signs of disease,” she said.
Risk of Infection and Raw Milk Consumption
The H5N1 virus primarily spreads to humans through direct contact with infected animals, inhalation of particles, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Drinking raw milk from infected cows is also a potential transmission pathway. The CDC emphasizes that individuals who handle or properly cook poultry are at low risk, as no infections have been linked to consuming cooked poultry or eggs.
Despite these risks, raw milk consumption continues to garner attention. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has openly promoted raw milk. Kennedy claims that what he calls “aggressive suppression” of raw milk sales will end under his watch, revealing that he personally consumes raw milk.
Public Health Implications
Health officials urge caution, recommending the avoidance of raw milk and the proper handling of all dairy and poultry products. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and prioritize safety amid the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
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