Bird Flu Found in Raw Milk Sold in California, Prompting Health Warnings

California health officials confirm two batches of raw milk contaminated with avian influenza and urge consumers to avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

• Two batches of raw milk from Fresno-based Raw Farm tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), leading to voluntary recalls.
• California health officials have identified 436 dairy farms with bird flu outbreaks, with quarantines placed on affected herds to prevent further spread.
• No human illnesses from the contaminated milk have been reported, but 29 human cases of bird flu in California since October have been linked to direct contact with infected dairy cows.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that raw milk poses significant health risks, including exposure to bird flu and other pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Pasteurization remains a critical safety measure, as it eliminates harmful germs in milk without reducing its nutritional value.

10 Articles

NDTV ScienceAlert Business Insider San Francisco Chronicle NBC News CNN Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times Rolling Stone The Independent