What's happened
California health officials detected bird flu in unpasteurized milk from Raw Farm LLC, prompting a recall. No illnesses have been reported, but experts warn of potential risks associated with raw milk consumption. Testing for the virus will increase as concerns grow over its spread in dairy herds.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease researcher, emphasized the risks associated with raw milk, stating, "You have to assume that raw milk has potential infectious agents that can cause serious illness." The article also notes that while no illnesses have been traced to the recalled milk, health officials are taking precautionary measures. AP News corroborates this, highlighting that the virus was found in a sample from Raw Farm LLC, which has prompted increased testing in California. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that 20% of pasteurized milk samples contained viral remnants, indicating widespread contamination risks. Experts like Nicole Martin from Cornell University caution that while there is no evidence of human infection from raw milk, the situation warrants increased caution among consumers.
How we got here
The bird flu virus, known as H5N1, was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March 2024. Since then, it has spread to over 435 dairy herds in California, raising concerns about its presence in raw milk products.
Common question
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What Are the Risks of Bird Flu in Raw Milk?
Recent findings of bird flu in raw milk from California have raised significant health concerns. While no illnesses have been reported yet, the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk are alarming. This page explores the dangers, preventive measures, and the importance of pasteurization in safeguarding public health.
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