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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun a domestic sampling assignment to collect and test aged raw cow’s milk cheese for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1). The objectives of the assignment are: 

  • To determine whether viable H5N1 virus is present in the cheese; and 
  • To take follow-up action(s) as needed to address contaminated product and protect consumers.

An outbreak of H5N1 in multiple states precipitated this assignment. The FDA is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners to investigate and respond to the outbreak, which is impacting poultry, dairy cows, and people in the United States. The FDA’s sampling assignment complements research efforts that the agency is carrying out with its federal and state partners, as well as select research universities. Unlike the research efforts, the FDA’s sampling assignment is a regulatory activity.

Raw milk cheese is made with unpasteurized milk. In the United States cheese allowed to be made from raw milk must be aged for a minimum of 60 days to mitigate the risk from any pathogens, if present.

The FDA will collect 300 samples of raw cow’s milk cheese that has been aged for at least 60 days, along with the label information. Each sample will consist of two packages of product, weighing at least 100 grams.

According to press reports, two house cats in Goleta in Santa Barbara County died of bird flu, Santa Barbara County Public Health officials confirmed on December 23. The cats had been fed raw foods — raw milk, chicken, and eggs — in two different households. Public Health warned pet owners of the possibility of transmission of Influenza A H5 virus to pets through unpasteurized milk and uncooked foods.

Two cats in one of the households had died before the county was contacted, said Sarah Aguilar, who directs county Animal Services.

However, raw milk has come under scrutiny after herds of dairy cows became infected with H5N1, infecting some dairy workers in turn. During the investigation in March of the first human H5N1 case, veterinarians noted the death of multiple barn cats at the dairy in Texas. Raw milk containing H5N1 virus has been found for sale in grocery stores since November. No human infections linked to raw milk consumption are known to have occurred – yet.

In Los Angeles County, four house cats were confirmed on December 24 to have died of H5 after drinking recalled raw milk. 

Upon infection with H5, cats can develop respiratory illness, neurological symptoms, or liver disease, which can progress rapidly to death, L.A. PHD stated in a press release. The viruses and bacteria in raw milk or meats can be harmful to both pets and humans, but the risk is “especially concerning” with the ongoing spread of bird flu virus among dairy cows.

Five indoor-only, domestic cats in one household in Los Angeles (LA) County died after consuming recalled raw milk. Four of these cats were tested and confirmed to be infected with H5 Bird Flu. This group includes the two cats described in an earlier alert issued 12/12/2024.

There are additional recalls on raw dairy products. The current recalls include:

All sizes of raw milk and cream produced by Raw Farm, LLC in California between November 9-27, 2024 (lot numbers 20241109 through 20241127).

All “Valley Milk Simply Bottle Raw Cow Milk” and “DESI Milk Raw Cow Milk” distributed in quart (32oz), half gallon (64 oz), and one gallon (128 oz) plastic jugs with a code date marked on the container of “DEC 23 2024 through DEC 30 2024”, produced by Valley Milk Simply Bottled of Stanislaus County.

On 11/22/24, eight cats in one household were offered raw milk produced by Raw Farm, LLC. The raw milk was from a lot that was not included in the recalls issued on 11/24/24 and 11/27/24 but was included in the third recall issued on 12/3/24. Between November 20 and December 7, 2024, seven of the cats became ill. 

Between December 2-10, five died or were euthanized. The other two cats are under quarantine and improving. This group includes the two cats described in an earlier alert issued on 12/12/2024. 

Clinical signs were variable but progressive. They included fever, lethargy, dehydration, anorexia, icterus, respiratory distress, and neurologic signs (primarily seizures, although one had nystagmus). One cat had evidence of lung lobe consolidation.

Of the five deceased cats that drank the recalled raw milk, four were tested for influenza A by PCR testing of samples from multiple body sites (oropharyngeal, rectal, and/or brain). All samples collected were confirmed positive for Influenza A and further subtyped as H5N1 also known as H5 Bird Flu, by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). These are the first confirmed cases of H5 bird flu infections in cats in Los Angeles County. They were sequenced by NVSL with sequences identical to the raw milk they ingested which was recalled from Raw Farms. 

H5 bird flu is currently circulating in wild birds locally. There has been a total of 39 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in wild birds detected in LA County since September 2022. Of these, six H5 bird flu cases were confirmed in wild birds in LA County in 2024. While primarily affecting poultry, H5 bird flu infections in cattle, cats, and other mammals highlight the potential for the virus to mutate and become more transmissible among mammals, including humans.

There is a broad, voluntary recall of all Raw Farm, LLC raw milk and cream products due to possible H5 bird flu contamination that went into effect 12/3/24. The recall includes all sizes of Raw Farm milk and cream, produced between November 9 and November 27, 2024. The affected lot numbers are 20241109 through 20241127. While this voluntary recall only applies to raw whole milk and cream, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges consumers to avoid consuming any Raw Farm products for human consumption including raw milk, cream, cheese, and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food topper and pet food kefir marketed to pet owners.

On December 14, another raw milk recall was issued by the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA). This recall applies to raw milk produced by Valley Milk Simply Bottled of Stanislaus County. This applies to all “Valley Milk Simply Bottle Raw Cow Milk” and “DESI Milk Raw Cow Milk” distributed in quart (32oz), half gallon (64 oz), and one gallon (128 oz) plastic judges with a code date marked on the container of DEC 23 2024 through DEC 30 2024. Currently no illness in pets or people have been reported in Los Angeles County associated with this milk. 

The CDC recommends against consuming raw milk contaminated with live H5 bird flu virus to develop antibodies against the H5 bird flu virus to protect against future disease. Freezing does not kill viruses and does not kill most bacteria. Frozen raw dairy products should be considered to carry the same level of risk for infectious disease exposure as refrigerated raw dairy products.

Illnesses in humans too.

On October 18, 2023, an investigation of an outbreak associated with Raw Farm, LLC products was initiated. At least eight Salmonella cases who had reported consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County, California, were discovered and reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Another nine cases from another county were discovered to be infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Local health departments, CDPH, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) investigated this outbreak. This outbreak was assigned the CDC ID 2310MLJPX-2.

For this investigation, a confirmed case was defined as a laboratory confirmed infection of S. Typhimurium, within 2 alleles of code SALM1.0 – 6745.4.2.1x, that was highly related (within 4 SNPs) based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to the outbreak strain in a person with symptom onset since September 15, 2023. A probable case was defined as a laboratory-confirmed Salmonella infection, in a person who reported consumption of Raw Farm raw milk and had symptom onset from September 15, 2023 through May 4, 2024.

As of October 15, 2024, 171 cases (159 confirmed and 12 probable) have been reported from five states: CA (167), NM (1), TX (1), WA (1), and PA (1). In California the following counties reported cases: Los Angeles (27), San Diego (25), Orange (19), Placer (7),Riverside (7), Sacramento (7), Alameda (6), Ventura (6), Contra Costa (5), Kern (5), San Bernardino (5), Santa Clara (5), Solano (5), Santa Barbara (4), Stanislaus (4), Long Beach (4), Fresno (3), Kings (2), Madera (2), Nevada (2), San Joaquin (2), and Yolo (2).

Illness onsets ranged from September 21 to March 12, 2024. Symptoms included fever, bloody or watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The age range of cases was <1 to 87 years (median 7). Sixty-five percent of cases were male. Twenty cases (14%) were known to require hospitalization; no deaths were reported. Four cases were discovered to have co-infections with S. Typhimurium and Campylobacter and/or STEC. Most illnesses were among children.

All cases who met the confirmed case definition, regardless of raw milk exposure, and all cases who met the probable case definition were also interviewed with a raw dairy supplemental questionnaire to ascertain the brand and purchase location of their exposure and whether they had any leftover product, along with any other details of raw dairy exposures prior to illness onset. Seventy-two percent (91/127) of cases reported consuming raw milk in the initial and/or supplemental questionnaire. Eighty-five percent (46/54) of California cases, in interviews with the supplemental questionnaire, reported consuming raw milk. Of those who consumed raw milk and recalled brand information, 93% (41/44) consumed Raw Farm brand raw milk. 

The proportion of confirmed patients who reported raw milk consumption during the week prior to illness was significantly higher (binomial p-value <0.001) than expected by chance alone, compared to the estimated 1.9% background rate of raw milk consumption during the prior week based on 2018 and 2019 FoodNet CA population survey estimates. All five patients who reported consuming or likely consumed other types of raw dairy products (including various cheeses, cream, and butter) also confirmed drinking Raw Farm raw milk.

Based on epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local and state officials that indicated that raw milk consumed by cases was produced at Raw Farm, Raw Farm, LLC recalled their raw milk and raw heavy cream on October 24, 2023, including products with best by dates from October 11, 2023 to November 6, 2023. 

Products were sold at the following locations: Bristol Farm, Clark’s Nutrition, Elliott’s Natural Foods, Erewhon Market, Frazier Farms Market, Jimbo’s, Lassen’s Natural Foods, Lazy Acres, Lunardi’s, Mother’s Market, Nugget Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market locations. Specifically, the recalled products included the Raw Whole Milk in a gallon container (128 ounce) with item number 1000 and the barcode 835204006004, the Raw Whole Milk in half gallon (64 ounce) container with item number 1005 and the barcode 835204000095, the Raw Whole Milk in quart containers (32 ounce) with item number 1010 and the barcode 835204000019, and Raw Heavy Cream in 16-ounce containers with item number 3050 and the barcode 835204000132.

Link to Report: https://www.marlerblog.com/files/2024/12/CA-EPI-24-01-Raw-Milk-S.-Typhimurium-Outbreak-08052024_FINAL_cleared.pdf

Previous Raw Farm, LLCRecalls and Outbreaks

Since September 2006, Raw Farm, LLC, formerly known as Organic Pastures Dairy Company (“OPDC”), has issued multiple recalls of unpasteurized milk products, and been linked to multiple outbreaks as outlined below. 

The following table shows Raw Farm’s previous history with contaminated products: 

DateProductContaminantRecall/Illnesses
September 2006Raw MilkE. coli O157:H7Six ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome 
September 2007Raw CreamListeria monocytogenesRecall Issued
December 2007Raw MilkCampylobacterEight Illnesses 
September 2008Raw CreamCampylobacterRecall Issued
November 2011Raw MilkE. coli O157:H7Five ill, three severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
May 2012Raw Milk/CreamCampylobacter10 Illnesses 
October 2015Raw MilkCampylobacterRecall Issued
January 2016Raw MilkE. coli O157:H7Nine ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
May 2023Raw MilkCampylobacterRecall Issued
August 2023Unpasteurized Cheese SalmonellaRecall Issued
Raw

Raw milk produced and packaged by Valley Milk Simply Bottled of Stanislaus County is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The recall order came following the detection of Influenza-A H5N1 (bird flu) virus in samples taken from a raw milk bulk tank at the Valley Milk Simply Bottled dairy farm.  

The order applies to all “Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Cow Milk” and “DESI Milk Raw Cow Milk” distributed in quart (32 oz), half-gallon (64 oz), and one-gallon (128 oz) plastic jugs with a code date marked on the container of DEC 23 2024 through DEC 30 2024.

Consumers are strongly urged to not consume any product remaining in their refrigerators and retailers are to pull the product immediately from their shelves.  No illnesses have been reported.   

Risks Associated with Raw Milk

Drinking raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to infection with this rare, emerging flu virus. Symptoms of bird flu infection in humans include eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing and fever. 

While raw milk sales are legal in California and production practices are highly regulated, without the critical food safety step of pasteurization, public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to elevated risks of foodborne illness. Due to this elevated risk, all raw milk products are sold with a warning label that states the product may contain harmful pathogens. Outbreaks due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin producing E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and many other bacteria have all been reported related to consuming raw dairy products.

Pasteurized Milk is Safe to Drink

Pasteurized milk is safe to drink. Pasteurization, one of the most significant scientific food safety discoveries in human history, is the process of heating milk to specific temperatures for a certain length of time to kill many microorganisms and enzymes that lead to spoilage and illness. Pasteurization kills the bird flu virus and other harmful germs that can be found in raw milk. The California Department of Public Health advises consumers not to drink raw milk or eat raw milk products due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Protecting Against Bird Flu

CDFA has been working with the USDA as well as local and state partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and the people who work closely with them. This incident is national in scope for both birds and cows following the initial introduction of the disease in 2022. CDFA conducts extensive bird flu testing throughout the state and establishes quarantine boundaries where necessary to protect animal and human health. 

Marin County Public Health (MCPH) strongly advises people not to consume any raw milk products. MCPH is reporting a suspected case of bird flu in a child who experienced fever and vomiting after drinking raw milk. The child has recovered, and no other family members became sick, indicating no person-to person transmission. 

MCPH is actively investigating this possible case of bird flu linked to raw milk consumption with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On December 6, CDPH issued an alert[External] to health care providers to evaluate and test for human avian flu (H5N1) in people who develop flu-like symptoms after consuming raw milk. Due to widespread transmission of bird flu among wild birds, significant outbreaks among dairy cows, and sporadic human cases.

“Bird flu infections in humans are uncommon but there are ongoing outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry farms in the United States,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County’s Public Health Officer, “The risk to the public remains low, as bird flu spread from person to person is rare.” 

There have been 32 confirmed cases of bird flu reported in California this year. Most bird flu detections in the U.S. have been in poultry and dairy workers who were exposed to sick animals, but sporadic cases are expected. 

Human, animal, and environmental health are connected. This possible case of bird flu linked to raw milk consumption highlights the importance of understanding how diseases can spread from animals to humans, especially through food. Raw milk, which hasn’t been pasteurized poses a risk of spreading diseases, including influenza. Exposure to food-borne bacteria and viruses can make anyone sick, but they are especially dangerous for people with weak immune systems, as well as children, older adults, and pregnant women. 

Health care providers should ​​​consider avian influenza A (H5N1) in persons with fever, gastrointestinal, respiratory symptoms and/or conjunctivitis with recent consumption of raw milk products or exposure to animals suspected or confirmed to have avian influenza. They should contact MCPH immediately for technical assistance on collecting respiratory specimens (nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs) for testing. 

“We thank the teams at Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin County Public Health Laboratory, CDPH and CDC for their prompt response, support and guidance,” Santora said.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is warning consumers to throw away raw, unpasteurized milk from Rob and Shirley Hudyncia doing business as HuHill Farm because of the positive test for the pathogen. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent tests show it is free from Campylobacter jejuni. 

As of the posting of the public alert, no confirmed illnesses had been reported, but ill people frequently do not seek medical attention.

“On Oct.17, 2024, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on October 21, 2024, confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni in the raw milk sample, according to the health department alert,” according to the agriculture department.

In early August an identical scenario played out when a routine sample of the dairy’s raw milk was discovered to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni. Then and now the agriculture department recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from HuHill Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at 518-860-8098.

“It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization,” according to the department’s alert. 

Campylobacter

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) has issued a stop sale and recall of bottled raw milk from Nature View Dairy in Bridgewater, CT. This action follows confirmation by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) of two human cases of Campylobacter illness which were related to the consumption of bottled raw milk. CT DoAg and DPH immediately began investigating the source of illness.

“Consumers should be cautious when ingesting raw milk products, especially those in high-risk categories,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that all farm products are safe for consumption through routine sampling and testing on the farm as well as working in tandem with our sister agency on investigations to protect public health.”

Additional samples of bottled raw milk were collected and tested resulting in a positive test result for campylobacter. This bacterium is the number one cause of human foodborne illness. Campylobacter can frequently be found in raw milk or undercooked meats. The most common signs of human illness are diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Symptoms usually start two to five days after the person ingests campylobacter bacteria and last about one week. The illness is usually self-limiting and does not require antibiotics.

Nature View Dairy is complying with a voluntary recall of all raw milk products from retail distribution locations in Connecticut, including farm stores, natural food, and grocers. CT DoAg is working with DPH and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) on this investigation. 

“The DPH team is collaborating with our partners at CT DoAg and DCP to assist with laboratory testing and messaging to residents throughout the state,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Those who exhibit symptoms of Campylobacter infection that last more than two days should contact their health care provider. While anyone can get sick from Campylobacter, children aged 5 and younger, pregnant people, adults 65 and older, and those with a weakened immune system are at an increased risked for serious illness.”

Consumers who have purchased bottled raw milk from Nature View Dairy should discontinue use, and either discard, or return the bottle to where they purchased the raw milk for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact Nature View Dairy at 860-355-3276 during the daytime hours.

Pasteurization is a process that removes disease causing germs by heating milk to a high enough temperature for a specific length of time. Raw or unpasteurized milk can be a source of foodborne illness. While good practices on farms can reduce contamination, they cannot guarantee safety from pathogens. Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption. 

Idaho Public Health officials are investigating recent reports of 18 people who recently experienced symptoms of, and tested positive for, Campylobacter, and who also reported purchasing and drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk from Paradise Grove Dairy. The Idaho Division of Public Health is collaborating with Central District Health (CDH), Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH), and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in the ongoing investigation.

Since July 24, 18 people tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection. All 18 reported drinking raw milk, and 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County prior to getting sick. Paradise Grove Dairy distributes milk to numerous stores across southern Idaho. CDH and EIPH are conducting interviews with sick people.

Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily stopped production Aug. 2, inspected and repaired equipment, and increased the frequency of milk testing, before resuming production Aug. 12. Anyone who bought raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy from July 19 through Aug. 2 should stop drinking it and discard it immediately. Paradise Grove Dairy also reminded consumers to make sure they keep milk cold when taking it home from the store.

People at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. People in these groups are encouraged to consume pasteurized dairy products.

Common symptoms of campylobacteriosis infection include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea and/or vomiting. Symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and last about one week. Some people may develop complications that last longer. If you are experiencing similar symptoms after consuming raw milk or raw milk products from Paradise Grove Dairy, seek medical attention.

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The Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) is advising residents not to consume one lot of Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington, WA, which has been voluntarily recalled due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The recall applies only to raw milk with a “best buy” date of 8/23, sold in ½ gallon and gallon containers at the farm store and various retail outlets across Western Washington, including Community Food Co-op in Bellingham and Cost Cutter in Blaine. 

In collaboration with local and state partners, including the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the Old Silvana Creamery is investigating the potential E. coli contamination. The routine testing by WSDA revealed the presence of toxin-producing E. coli in a sample with the best buy date of 8/23, while independent lab testing by the creamery did not detect the bacteria. Currently, there are no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Old Silvana Creamery and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the contamination. Raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, but consumers are advised to be aware of the potential health risks and ensure that any raw milk purchased is from a WSDA-licensed operation.

Consumers who have purchased Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with the best buy date of 8/23 should take the following precautions:

                  ◦               Do not consume the raw milk.

                  ◦               Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

                  ◦               Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as:

                  ◦               Severe diarrhea or diarrhea lasting more than three days

                  ◦               Stomach cramps

                  ◦               Blood in the stool

                  ◦               Note: Usually, little or no fever is present. People usually get sick from E. coli between one and eight days (usually two to three days) after swallowing the bacteria.

rawmilk-blue-406

In mid-July 2024, 2 Washington residents in different counties were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni. Both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA) shortly before becoming ill.

Raw milk is a high-risk food for causing illness because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria may naturally be in cattle manure which can contaminate milk during production.

The production of raw milk in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In response to these illness reports, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) tested milk samples collected from the creamery and conducted an inspection of both the dairy farm and the milk plant. The results for all the samples were “Not found” for Campylobacter. Both the dairy farm and the milk plant had passing inspections. A recall of the milk was not conducted.

WSDA collects routine samples from the firm on a monthly basis that includes screening for pathogens including Campylobacter and will continue to do so moving forward. For more about how WSDA regulates dairy, visit: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/dairy

Washington State Case Information

Washington residents from Thurston (1)  and Pierce (1) counties have been included in this outbreak. They each purchased Old Silvana Jim’s Jerseys gallon-sized whole milk between July 10 and July 16, 2024. The milk they purchased has now expired. No other common exposures were identified.

Raw Milk in Washington

Washington State allows the sale of raw milk by WSDA-licensed producers and processors for three purposes: further processing, human consumption, or animal feed. Each requires a license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

In Washington State, from 2005 through 2024 there have been at least 11 outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).

Advice to Consumers

Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.

Any person of any age can get very sick or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of severe illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly, and persons who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk of severe illness.

If you notice symptoms (see below) after drinking raw milk, contact your health care provider right away.

Advice to Retailers

Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn purchasers about known hazards associated with the consumption of raw milk so that they may make informed choices about buying these products

Because of the associated risks in raw milk sales, all raw milk products sold at retail locations in Washington must be labeled with the phrase “raw milk”  and include the following advisory posted at the sales location:

“WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and persons with lowered resistance to disease have the highest risk of harm from use of this product.”

In addition to ensuring raw milk containers are properly labeled, retail locations must also post the following written statement near the product:

“Warning: Raw milk or foods prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria capable of causing severe illness. Contact your local health agency for advice or to report a suspected illness.”

Retail locations must also forward any complaints of foodborne illness to their location health department.

About Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter infection)

Campylobacter bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of cattle, poultry and pigs. Animals can carry Campylobacter without becoming sick.  

It takes very few Campylobacter bacteria to make someone sick. People can get infected with campylobacter by:

                  •               Drinking unpasteurized milk

                  •               Consuming raw or undercooked beef, chicken or pork

                  •               Eating produce prepared with cutting boards used to cut raw poultry or meat

                  •               Coming into contact with animals or their beds, cages, coops, stalls or barns

Symptoms

People can get symptoms 1-10 days (average of 2 to 5 days) after swallowing Campylobacter bacteria. Symptoms often include:

                  •               Diarrhea (which can be bloody)

                  •               Stomach cramps

                  •               Fever

                  •               Sometimes nausea or vomiting

Most people recover on their own within 7 days. Complications can include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

More information on the health risks of drinking raw milk can be found on the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) website