Additional Coverage:
- Another batch of raw milk from a trendy California brand just tested positive for bird flu (newsbreak.com)
Bird Flu Detected in California Raw Milk
Two batches of raw milk from Raw Farm have tested positive for bird flu. The spread of the virus among cattle in the US has raised concerns.
Health Risks of Raw Milk
Experts warn that drinking raw milk is dangerous due to potential food poisoning caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. There is no evidence that humans can contract bird flu from drinking raw milk, but other health risks persist.
Trendy, Yet Risky
Despite its trendiness, raw milk has no proven health benefits. Pasteurized milk is just as nutritious and safer to consume.
Role in Bird Flu Spread
Scientists believe cross-contamination of raw milk between animals may contribute to the spread of bird flu among cattle. Dairy workers could potentially become infected if raw milk containing the virus splashes into their eyes.
California’s Loose Regulations
California allows the sale of raw milk in most retail stores, but it is illegal to transport across state lines. Despite an uptick in bird flu cases in California dairy farms, there is only one confirmed human case of bird flu from a child who had contact with wild birds.