California has suspended distribution of raw milk products from company Raw Farm after detecting bird flu in two samples, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. The move comes as bird flu continues to spread among US dairy cattle, infecting nearly 500 herds in California.
The farm, which produces around 70,000 gallons of milk weekly, is under quarantine and distribution will be paused for one to two months. Owner Mark McAfee expects this change due to RFK Jr., president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services, being a customer.
Public health officials have warned against consuming raw milk due to the risk of pathogens like bird flu. While pasteurized milk products are considered safe, cats have died after drinking infected raw milk. The US FDA says pasteurization kills the virus, but it is unclear if this process is effective in eliminating all pathogens.
This is not the first time Raw Farm has faced issues with its products; two lots of products were recalled last week due to retail testing that detected bird flu. The state has been testing retail milk products for bird flu since June.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/california-suspends-raw-farms-raw-milk-products-after-bird-flu-detection-2024-12-03