Health officials have detected the bird flu virus in a retail sample of raw milk from a Fresno-based California dairy farm marking the latest development as avian bird flu cases in California.
The contamination was identified during routine testing conducted by the Santa Clara County public health office, which has been examining raw milk already placed in retail stores as an additional consumer safety measure.
Recall Issued for Affected Products
Following the detection, the California dairy farm issued a voluntary recall of its quart and half-gallon raw milk products produced on November 9. These products, which carry the lot ID #20241109 and have an expiration date of November 27, have been pulled from shelves to ensure consumer safety.
Health experts noted that the rapid spread of the H5N1 strain of bird flu among farms in California makes such findings unsurprising. Outbreaks are increasingly being identified through bulk testing of raw milk from various farms.
Uncertainty About Human Risk
Only the H5 component of the virus was detected in the sample, but officials suspect the presence of H5N1. No cases of the virus have been reported in cows or humans consuming infected raw milk. Experts have raised concerns about potential risks, but the extent of the threat to humans from drinking unpasteurized, contaminated milk remains unclear.
Findings from recent animal studies suggest that the bird flu virus could pose a risk if ingested in large enough quantities. However, human cases linked to raw milk consumption have not yet been documented. Experts continue to emphasize that the consumption of raw milk carries no proven health benefits, and some recommend avoiding it altogether.
Previous Safety Incidents
The detection of the bird flu virus is not the first safety issue linked to this California dairy farm Earlier in the year, the company issued a recall of its raw cheddar cheese products after they were associated with an E. coli outbreak spanning multiple states. In October 2023, the farm was also connected to a salmonella outbreak that infected at least 165 individuals.
Despite these incidents, the farm owner stated that this is the first time any of their products have tested positive for the bird flu virus since they began voluntary testing in April.
Rising Bird Flu Cases in California
California has reported 29 cases of bird flu so far, including one in a child who became the first youth to contract the virus in the state. The source of the child’s infection remains under investigation, but officials have ruled out contact with infected dairy or poultry products.
Most of the reported cases in the state involve dairy workers. Nationwide, there have been 55 cases of bird flu, with California accounting for nearly half of them.
The virus has also been detected in wastewater systems across the state, including locations in Santa Clara County such as Palo Alto, San Jose, Gilroy, and Sunnyvale. In total, the virus has been found in 24 of California’s 28 wastewater systems, highlighting the widespread presence of the pathogen.
Growing Access to Raw Milk Products by California dairy farm
Despite the risks associated with raw milk, many states are moving to legalize its sale and consumption. Some policymakers are even advocating for increased access to raw milk products, viewing it as a step toward broader food freedom.
However, public health officials continue to stress the importance of caution when consuming unpasteurized dairy products, particularly in light of recent contamination incidents and the potential health risks posed by diseases like bird flu.
