California Issues Warning Over Raw Milk Contaminated with Bird Flu

The California Department of Public Health issued a warning on Sunday regarding the discovery of bird flu in a batch of raw milk sold in the state. Although no illnesses have been reported, the agency advised consumers not to drink milk from the affected batch.

Raw Farm LLC of Fresno County recalled certain sizes of raw milk from stores after one sample tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus. The milk was packaged in quart and half-gallon containers, with a lot ID of 20241109 and a best-by date of November 27. The California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory confirmed the positive test result on Saturday after an initial finding by the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory.

While the company reassured the public that it follows strict safety protocols to monitor its dairy cows, it emphasized that milk from the recalled batch should no longer be available for purchase. The company also confirmed that all tests for the product, including those from state regulators, have returned negative results for bird flu.

The warning comes amidst growing concerns over bird flu, which has spread among poultry and cattle in various parts of the U.S. this year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 55 human cases of the virus in 2024, with most cases linked to farm workers who were in contact with infected animals. Though the virus has not been found to spread from person to person, the CDC continues to investigate new cases, including one involving a child in California.

Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized, can carry harmful pathogens and poses a health risk, a concern that public health officials have long highlighted. Despite this, raw milk has gained attention in certain circles.

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