California Dairy Recalls Raw Milk After Detecting Bird Flu Detection; 55 US Cases Already Reported

Raw Farm's cream top raw milk tested positive for bird flu, prompting a nationwide recall on products with a "best buy" date of November 27.

By Thea Felicity

Nov 26 2024, 13:01 PM EST

Bird Flu Outbreak On California Farms Spreads To Raw Milk — SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Raw Farm raw milk containers are displayed on a shelf at a grocery store on November 25, 2024, in San Anselmo, California. Fresno County dairy Raw Farm has recalled its cream top raw milk after bird flu virus was found in a retail sample of the raw milk product over the weekend. Consumers should avoid milk consumption and are encouraged to return the product to the store where it was purchased. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A batch of raw milk from a Fresno dairy had been recalled by health officials after routine testing found traces of the bird flu virus.

The sample of raw milk was tested on November 21 during a regular screening by Santa Clara County health officers. The milk came from Raw Farm, a dairy company based in the area. Following this recall, the company initiated a voluntary recall of its cream top, whole raw milk, with a "best buy" date of November 27.

According to AP News, all buyers are advised to return their purchased product immediately. Pasteurized milk is still safe to consume as this particular sample of raw milk was the only one contaminated with the bird flu virus, a highly infectious disease mostly found in birds. While it has been reported to wreak havoc on wild birds, poultry, and several mammals, scientists emphasize that the process of pasteurization destroys harmful microorganisms, such as the bird flu virus, making pasteurized milk safe for consumption

New Bird Flu Cases Reported in California

Besides the milk recall, California has been dealing with an outbreak of bird flu that continues to grow. US News & World Report shared that health officials stated that on Friday, a case of bird flu was reported in a US child.

The child's symptoms were mild, and they received antiviral medication and are likely to recover.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stated that there have been at least 55 bird flu cases in the United States this year alone, while 29 cases were reported only in California. Most of the affected individuals were farmworkers who had mildly harmful symptoms.

The bird flu virus, especially the H5N1, has been moving among the wildlife and poultry in the US for several years. It started sending shockwaves into the dairy cattle in March and hasn't let up on herds throughout the nation since. California has been one of the most affected areas with more than 400 infected herds discovered since August.

Despite this surge, health experts say there are no serious risks to humans at large and that the majority of cases have been mild.