niman

3 new cases of possible bird flu reported in Colorado Story by Lauren Irwin • 4mo • 2 min read 3 new cases of possible bird flu reported in Colorado© Provided by The Hill State health officials in Colorado have identified three new possible cases of bird flu among poultry workers. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a release Friday that it had identified three presumptive positive cases of avian influenza in workers who were responding to an outbreak of the virus at a commercial egg operation. The state agencies notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and sent the specimen to confirm that it is in fact bird flu. “The workers were culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado and exhibited mind symptoms,” the release said. Symptoms included conjunctivitis — commonly known as pink eye — and common respiratory infection symptoms. None of the individuals were hospitalized, the state said. “State epidemiologists suspect the poultry workers’ cases are a result of working directly with infected poultry,” the release said. The CDC is sending a team to Colorado to support an investigation, the federal agency said. “As we learn more, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates,” the CDC said. “These preliminary results again underscore the risk of exposure to affected animals.” Both agencies list the risk for the general public as low. Related video: Possible case of bird flu reported in Marin County child (KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco) or poultry workers anymore if this is going to be Loaded: 26.89% Play Current Time 0:11 / Duration 2:13 Quality Settings Captions Fullscreen KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco Possible case of bird flu reported in Marin County child Unmute 0 View on Watch More videos FOX NewsMilk supply under scrutiny as bird flu cases rise KRON San FranciscoMarin County child possibly contracted bird flu KCCI Des MoinesBird flu cases found in northern Iowa turkey farm The CDC said earlier this month that the fourth human case of bird flu was reported. If the federal agency tests the Colorado cases and they come back confirmed for the H5N1 virus, it will bump up the number of those infected to seven. The concern began after more than 40 cattle herds nationwide have confirmed cases of the virus. There is concern for a potential widespread outbreak. A former CDC director predicts that one day there will be a bird flu pandemic, once the virus learns how to transfer human to human. The mortality rate for bird flu is much higher than COVID-19. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/3-new-cases-of-possible-bird-flu-reported-in-colorado/ar-BB1pUPwz

Colorado state health officials identify possible cases of avian flu in Colorado poultry workers The risk to the public remains low; all cases had direct contact with infected animals Denver (July 12, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and State Emergency Operations Center, has identified three presumptive positive cases of avian influenza in workers responding to the avian flu outbreak at a commercial egg layer operation. CDPHE’s State Public Health Laboratory sent the specimens generating the preliminary results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The workers were culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado and exhibited mild symptoms, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and common respiratory infection symptoms. None of the individuals were hospitalized. State public health officials have collected additional samples from symptomatic workers, which will be tested this weekend. State epidemiologists suspect the poultry workers’ cases are a result of working directly with infected poultry. The investigation is ongoing with support from CDC. On July 3, CDPHE identified a case of avian flu in a Colorado dairy worker. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry products. The proper handling and cooking of poultry, meat, and eggs kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses. If you work with dairy cows or poultry that may have avian flu and you start to feel sick, seek medical care or call CDPHE at 303-692-2700 (after normal business hours: 303-370-9395). The Department can help you get a flu test and medicine if needed. More information about avian flu in humans is available at cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/hpai-h5n1. https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-state-health-officials-identify-possible-cases-of-avian-flu-in-colorado

Colorado only lists Weld 14 backyard farm updated 11/15/24

SITUATION REPORT #77 November 15, 2024 State of Colorado Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Please note: This report covers incidences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry flocks (both backyard and commercial) in Colorado. New information is highlighted in BOLD ITALIC RED type. Situation Reports will be released weekly on Fridays and available to the public. Statewide Summary Detections in Commercial/Backyard Flocks Total number of affected counties = 17 Total number of affected premises = 39 Total number of birds affected in Colorado Commercial chickens = 8,405,325 Backyard poultry = 1,763 Gamebirds = 15,801 Premises by County/Number of Flocks Pitkin = 1 (Control area released) Montrose = 2 (Premises quarantine released) La Plata = 3 (Premises quarantine released) Weld = 14 (Premises quarantine established) Jefferson = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Mesa = 1 (Control area released) Boulder = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Larimer = 4 (Premises quarantine released) Prowers = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Moffat = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Arapahoe = 2 (Premises quarantine released) Yuma = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Pueblo = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Routt = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Morgan = 2 (Premises quarantine established) Bent = 1 (Premises quarantine released) Delta = 1 (Premises quarantine released) View all 2022-2024 Colorado HPAI Situation Reports https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mq_o36arhZ3jgO3FuxLSj-2Ar2r83y_504DrGKotsoY/edit?tab=t.0

3 New Cases of Possible Bird Flu Reported in Colorado Andrea Ano about 3 hours ago Photo by Magda Ehlers/Pexels Listen to this article 00:02:40 State health officials in Colorado have identified three new possible cases of bird flu among poultry workers. The cases are currently under investigation, and samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation. New Cases of Bird Flu Among Poultry Workers Three new possible bird flu cases have been reported in Colorado among poultry workers. These workers were handling infected poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado. They exhibited mild symptoms including conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, and typical respiratory infection symptoms. Thankfully, none of the individuals required hospitalization. The state health department suspects that these cases are linked to direct contact with infected birds. The CDC and state health officials are currently investigating the outbreak to understand its scope and ensure proper public health measures are in place. State and Federal Response to the Outbreak In response to the outbreak, the CDC and state health officials are working closely to investigate the new bird flu cases. The USDA has ordered nationwide testing of milk starting December 16 to monitor the virus’s spread in dairy cows. This testing will begin in six states, including Colorado, which already has a state-mandated testing plan for bird flu in dairies. The additional testing aims to provide better monitoring and containment of the virus. Colorado’s existing program, which involves weekly bulk milk tank testing, aligns with USDA requirements to maintain an ongoing absence of bird flu in dairy cattle. Impact on the Dairy Industry and Public Health The dairy industry in Colorado, and nationwide, has expressed concerns about the economic impact of bird flu testing. There is worry that the testing could affect milk prices and market stability. However, pasteurization, a heat treatment process, remains effective in eliminating the virus from milk, ensuring it remains safe for public consumption. Health officials continue to emphasize that the risk to the general public from bird flu remains low. Despite the detection of the virus in dairy cows, no direct evidence suggests that pasteurized milk poses a health risk. The state and federal health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the virus. About the Author: Andrea Ano Read more

Three new possible bird flu cases have been reported in Colorado among poultry workers. These workers were handling infected poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado. They exhibited mild symptoms including conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, and typical respiratory infection symptoms. Thankfully, none of the individuals required hospitalization. The state health department suspects that these cases are linked to direct contact with infected birds. The CDC and state health officials are currently investigating the outbreak to understand its scope and ensure proper public health measures are in place. https://www.longmontleader.com/colorado-news/3-new-cases-of-possible-bird-flu-reported-in-colorado-9925635

Multiple Salmonella Lawsuits filed after 171 sickened by Raw Farm LLC Raw Milk By Bill Marler on December 6, 2024 Posted in Case News 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, LLC Recalls 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: Date Product Contaminant Recall/Illnesses September 2006 Raw Milk E. Coli O157:H7 Six ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria monocytogenes Recall Issued December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Eight Illnesses September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall Issued November 2011 Raw Milk E. Coli O157:H7 Five ill, three severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome May 2012 Raw Milk/Cream Campylobacter 10 Illnesses October 2015 Raw Milk Campylobacter Recall Issued January 2016 Raw Milk E. Coli Nine ill, two severely ill with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome May 2023 Raw Milk Campylobacter Recall Issued August 2023 Unpasteurized Cheese Salmonella Recall Issued Tags: Salmonella Attorney, Salmonella Lawyer

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. https://www.marlerblog.com/case-news/multiple-salmonella-lawsuits-filed-after-171-sickened-by-raw-farm-llc-raw-milk/

Sales of raw milk halted by state due to bird flu virus contamination Raw Farm CEO calls the broad recall ‘a political issue’ after milk products are pulled from shelves Fernando Hernandez runs milking machines on cows at the Raw Farm USA dairy in Fresno County on Friday, June 14, 2024. (Craig Kohlruss/Fresno Bee/TNS) By Lisa Krieger | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group UPDATED: December 7, 2024 at 8:47 AM PST Worried that a drink of infected raw milk could cause the H5N1 bird flu virus to jump to people, state health officials have ordered that all raw milk and cream from a Fresno-based dairy farm be pulled from store shelves. Consumers should return any purchased milk to the store where it was bought, they add. “Californians are strongly encouraged not to consume any raw milk or cream products in their possession or still on store shelves,” the California Department of Public Health said in a statement released Monday night. Milk that is pasteurized, which kills the virus and other pathogens, remains safe to drink. Milk products from Raw Farm, the state’s leading raw milk producer, tested positive for bird flu at both retail and dairy storage and bottling sites in recent days, officials said. This is a broader recall than what was announced last week, following the discovery of contaminated Raw Farm product at Santa Clara County retail stores from two specific lots of milk. The Santa Clara County Department of Public Health said it was unable to authorize the release of the names of the stores. As the disease investigation continues, Raw Farm is cooperating fully with CDPH and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. But Raw Food CEO Mark McAfee — who said he has been asked to apply for a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory position in the incoming Trump administration — called the recall and quarantine “a political issue. There are no food safety issues with our products,” he wrote on the company’s website. “We are working towards resolving this political issue while being cooperative with our government regulatory agencies,” he wrote. “Our family business has faced many political challenges before and we are resilient.” No one has been sickened by avian flu after drinking raw milk products from this dairy. But it’s known that exposure to infected raw milk can cause illness. As the virus has swept through the state’s dairy industry, infecting 493 of the state’s 1,100 operators, an estimated 30 California dairy farm workers have become sick. “Drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to illness,” according to CDPH. “In addition, touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection.” Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the virus can remain infectious in raw milk for at least several weeks when kept refrigerated at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Cats consuming infected raw milk from the farms “bulk tanks” have become infected and died, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subsequent autopsies have revealed severe systemic virus infection in these animals, affecting organs such as the brain and eyes, according to Michael Payne of the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security at UC Davis. The virus spreads through aerosol particles and contaminated milking equipment. While most affected animals recover with supportive treatment, an estimated 10% to 15% of cows die, according to Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh. Many never return to their prior productivity. Currently, the virus only targets the cells of animals. But it’s just a mutation or two away from being able to target the cells of people, virologists say. As it spreads, there’s a greater chance that a mutation will emerge. The virus seems to target the cells of a cow’s udder. This may explain why younger cows and beef cattle have been unaffected. Following the CDPH investigation, Raw Farm is quarantined for more than two months, meaning that it is not allowed to move any cattle off the property or sell any brand of its raw milk products. McAfee is allowed to sell milk from his 1,800-cow dairy to a processor who will pasteurize it and use it in different products, including milk or cheese. According to CDFA rules, if there are no more sick cows within 60 days, it will begin testing the milk again. Before its milk can be released, the dairy must test negative in three tests, with seven days between tests. Raw milk is considered so unsafe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits interstate sales. But individual states still control raw milk sales within their borders — and California is one of 12 states that allow its purchase in retail stores. Raw Farm has been linked to a plethora of other outbreaks of pathogens unrelated to the bird flu virus, including the bacteria Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. According to recent litigation filed by Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler, victims of a Salmonella outbreak between September 2023 to March 2024 include at least six residents of Alameda County, five residents of Contra Costa County and five residents of Santa Clara County. Rather than banning raw milk, California relies on advertising restrictions and warning labels to inform consumers of risk. If the state or federal government finds that a food company is egregious in its safety or sanitation practices, said UC Davis’s Payne, it could be forced to cease operations until it implements programs that prove it is in compliance. Originally Published: December 7, 2024 at 8:46 AM PST https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/12/07/sales-of-raw-milk-halted-by-state-due-to-bird-flu-virus-contamination/

Mark McAfee, the owner of the infected raw milk farm — Raw Farm LLC — told The Times last week that he believed the milk had gone out to 90,000 customers. Asked how he determined that number, he said, “Our consumers buy every week.... it’s very reliable. We have 500 stores and based on dollar volume per checkout, it’s our best guess.” https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-07/possible-h5n1-case-in-marin-co-child-source-of-infection-unknown

“It’s deeply concerning that another child may have H5N1. We need to know much more about this case, including some hypotheses for how she or he may have contracted the virus,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University in Providence, R.I. “Given the proximity of this case to the last case of H5N1 diagnosed in a child without known exposure to animals, it may be prudent to conduct a broader investigation, including a serologic study, to see if there is evidence of other infections in the area.” https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-12-07/possible-h5n1-case-in-marin-co-child-source-of-infection-unknown

Last week MCPH began investigating a possible bird flu case in a child and is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine how the child may have been exposed. https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/public-health-status-update-12062024

USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds New Federal Order Will Require National Milk Testing and Support State Officials and Dairy Regulators; Builds on Actions to Protect Farms, Farmworkers and Communities from H5N1 Avian Influenza Release & Contact Info Press Release Release No. 0237.24 Contact: USDA Press Email: [email protected] WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2024 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024. Today, USDA is issuing a new Federal Order, as well as accompanying guidance, requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA, which was developed with significant input from state, veterinary and public health stakeholders, will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. “Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, USDA has collaborated with our federal, state and industry partners to swiftly and diligently identify affected herds and respond accordingly. This new milk testing strategy will build on those steps to date and will provide a roadmap for states to protect the health of their dairy herds,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide. USDA is grateful to our partners who have provided input to make this strategy effective and actionable, and we look forward to continued collaboration in seeing this through.” This NMTS is designed to increase USDA’s and public health partners’ understanding of the virus’ spread in the United States through a structured, uniform, and mandatory testing system that will help swiftly identify which states, and specific herds within them, are affected with H5N1; support the rapid implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of transmission to other livestock; and importantly, inform critical efforts to protect farmworkers to help lower their risk of exposure. USDA believes this additional step is needed to proactively support effective biosecurity measures, which is key for states and farmers to contain and eliminate H5N1 infections from their livestock and to eliminate HPAI in livestock across the U.S. dairy population. “This testing strategy is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of individuals and communities nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, and we continue to work closely with USDA and all stakeholders on continued testing for H5N1 in retail milk and dairy samples from across the country to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply. We will continue this work with USDA for as long and as far as necessary.” The Federal Order released today makes three new requirements. First, it requires the sharing of raw milk samples, upon request, from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility that sends or holds milk intended for pasteurization. Second, the Federal Order requires herd owners with positive cattle to provide epidemiological information that enables activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance. Finally, like USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, it requires that private laboratories and state veterinarians report positive results to USDA that come from tests done on raw milk samples drawn as part of the NMTS. The first round of silo testing under the Federal Order and the NMTS is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 16, 2024, although some states are already conducting testing compatible with the NMTS. This new Federal Order does not override or supersede USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, which still requires the mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows prior to interstate shipment and requires that all privately owned laboratories and state veterinarians report positive test results connected with those tests. The new Federal Order announced today is intended to complement and enhance this existing order. National Milk Testing Strategy As part of the National Milk Testing Strategy, APHIS will work with each state in the contiguous United States to execute testing in a way that works for the state and that aligns with the NMTS standards. Once a state begins testing under the NMTS, APHIS will place that state into one of five stages based on the HPAI H5N1 virus prevalence in that state. As states move to another stage, we will have a stronger picture of our progress towards eliminating HPAI H5N1 at state, regional and national levels. These stages include: Stage 1: Standing Up Mandatory USDA National Plant Silo Monitoring USDA will immediately begin nationwide testing of milk silos at dairy processing facilities. This national sample will allow USDA to identify where the disease is present, monitor trends, and help states identify potentially affected herds. Stage 2: Determining a State’s H5N1 Dairy Cattle Status Building on the results of silo monitoring, in collaboration with states, USDA will also stand up bulk tank sampling programs that will enable us to identify herds in the state that are affected with H5N1. Stage 3: Detecting and Responding to the Virus in Affected States For states with H5N1 detections, APHIS will work quickly to identify specific cases and implement rapid response measures, including enhanced biosecurity using USDA’s existing incentives programs, movement controls and contact tracing. Stage 4: Demonstrating Ongoing Absence of H5 in Dairy Cattle in Unaffected States Once all dairy herds in a given state are considered to be unaffected, APHIS will continue regular sampling of farms’ bulk tanks to ensure the disease does not re-emerge. Bulk tank sampling frequency will progressively decline as the state demonstrates continual silo negativity (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly if continually negative). If a state becomes affected, USDA will re-engage detection and response activities, and the state will return to Stage 3. Stage 5: Demonstrating Freedom from H5 in U.S. Dairy Cattle After all states move through Stage Four, APHIS will work with the states to begin periodic sampling and testing to illustrate long-term absence from the national herd. As of this announcement, the following six states will be included in the first round of states brought into the program for testing: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. As states begin testing under the NMTS and as they move through the five stages, their progress will be shared at USDA HPAI in Livestock Testing. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status. Webinars and Additional Information USDA will co-host information sessions for all state animal health officials and state dairy regulators the week of Dec. 9 to learn more about the National Plant Silo Monitoring and sampling procedures. These sessions are scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 10 and Wednesday Dec. 11 to allow multiple opportunities for dairy regulators and industry stakeholders to participate. APHIS has been working diligently to educate and inform key state and animal health partners about this Federal Order and National Milk Testing Strategy, as well as to establish written agreements with states to support how they can work with USDA under the new strategy. APHIS has also sought and received input from state animal and public health partners about potential needs for the strategy and implementation across their various states, particularly for standardized sampling tools, outreach, and potential personnel and fiscal resources from USDA. In the coming weeks, APHIS will include additional states in the NMTS. Throughout this process APHIS will continue to support and offer resources to states that develop bulk milk testing plans in a way that meets the needs of each state and the importance of the response. APHIS will work with each of the 48 contiguous states to participate in the program. USDA’s Multifaceted Effort to Address H5N1 Since confirming the initial H5N1 infections in cattle in March 2024, USDA has taken significant steps to better understand and control the virus’s spread. This response was aided by APHIS’ more than 50 years of experience in research and managing influenzas across other animal species, and by long-standing partnerships with state animal health officials that allow for the swift establishment of all testing and response activities. APHIS and state partners have seen significant success in responding to detections identified through state-level testing programs, and the NMTS builds on these efforts and will better identify the prevalence of the virus and guide response steps nationwide. USDA has provided all H5 livestock testing through the NAHLN laboratory network, free of charge, regardless of whether it was performed for pre-movement testing under the current Federal Order; through the Dairy Herd Status Program; under testing programs that some states have designed pursuant to their unique authorities; prior to intrastate movement to fairs, exhibitions, or sales as part of state testing programs; or for producers interested in learning the status of their livestock herds. As a result of this testing, USDA has received samples from each of the 48 contiguous states over the course of this outbreak, with all confirmed positive findings being reported through the APHIS website, and whole genome sequences of each detected virus uploaded to public databases. USDA continues to stress to farmers nationwide that effective biosecurity practices are the best weapon against the spread of disease, and that all farms should review their current biosecurity measures and ensure best practices identified over the past eight months are incorporated, even if H5N1 has not been detected in their state or region. USDA strongly encourages herd owners to participate in the already available producer support programs, which help to cover the cost such as biosecurity programming, PPE for employees, and veterinary care. Producers can find more information at Financial Assistance | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or at your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency county office. USDA Research Related to H5N1 in Dairy Cattle USDA has been working collaboratively with its federal partners at HHS to better understand the origin of the emergence of the virus and its potential impact in both bovines and humans. USDA has leveraged its laboratories, researchers, and regulatory agencies to address this issue and, in partnership with FDA, help ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply. This includes lab and personnel support for FDA-designed studies to test the safety of milk and dairy products and reaffirm the efficacy of pasteurization for the safety of products on retail shelves. USDA FSIS has also completed a series of studies on beef, which demonstrate that safely cooking beef inactivates the H5N1 virus, if present. USDA APHIS has also prepared and shared two separate epidemiological reports on the virus and its spread, which can inform biosecurity practices and next steps. To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock. # APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Today, USDA is issuing a new Federal Order, as well as accompanying guidance, requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA, which was developed with significant input from state, veterinary and public health stakeholders, will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/12/06/usda-announces-new-federal-order-begins-national-milk-testing

The man behind one of the buzziest raw milk farms explains why they are going pasteurized — for now Hilary Brueck Dec 5, 2024, 12:35 PM EST Share Save Mark McAfee is the founder of Raw Farm, the biggest producer of raw milk in the US. They're based in Fresno, California. Raw Farm California's biggest raw milk brand tested positive for bird flu. With a voluntary recall underway, the company has started sending out milk to be pasteurized. Raw cheese, kefir, and butter are still being sold. One of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s favorite raw milk producers is temporarily going pasteurized, as bird flu sweeps across California's dairyland. Raw Farm is California's largest producer of raw milk products, and a huge name in West Coast wellness circles. This summer, the company partnered with carnivore diet influencer Paul Saladino and trendy LA grocery store Erewhon to produce a $19 raw kefir smoothie. Now, the company is recalling all of its raw milk and raw cream on store shelves statewide, after initial retail tests of at least two batches of milk turned up positive for H5N1 bird flu. In the meantime, raw milk produced at the Fresno-based dairy is being processed like regular milk. "It's going from our dairies directly to a processing plant owned by somebody else to be pasteurized," Raw Farm founder Mark McAfee told Business Insider on Wednesday, adding that the move is a "horrible" one for his bottom line. "We're getting about 20%" of normal sales revenue, he said. Raw Farm isn't recalling its raw cheeses, butter, or kefir, and McAfee said that's because those products have been fermented, heated, cultured, or aged, and therefore are somewhat less of a concern to regulators. Dr. Paul Saladino's $19 Raw Animal-Based Smoothie includes Raw Farm's kefir milk, plus beef organ powder, blueberries, honey, bananas, and other ingredients. Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Can you get bird flu from raw milk? It's normal for raw milk to have viruses or bacteria floating around in it. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk is not heated to kill pathogens. That's why the US Food and Drug Administration advises against anyone drinking raw milk. There's a risk of contracting stomach bugs like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning, and in rare cases hospitalization or death. Kids are especially at risk. It's not clear whether people can actually get bird flu by drinking milk from a sick cow. So far, there have been no reports of raw milk drinkers catching bird flu, but there have been several cases of cats drinking raw milk from cows sick with bird flu, and then dropping dead afterwards. "Like many foodborne illnesses, illnesses from raw milk are often underreported because many people aren't tested by a doctor in time to identify a pathogen and link the illness to a specific food," the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the agency that first identified bird flu virus in Raw Farm products in November, told BI in a statement. The FDA declined to comment for this story, citing an ongoing lawsuit against Raw Farm, which accuses the company of selling raw milk across state lines (that's forbidden under federal law). A spokesperson for the agency pointed BI to a recent letter to dairy producers nationwide, which mentions that bird flu is a virus, like other viruses, that can't withstand pasteurization. A bird flu outbreak will not stop the raw milk trend, McAfee says McAfee is trying to set up some raw milk bottling and processing in another area of the state that isn't as affected by the current H5N1 outbreak as the Central Valley. He said he hopes to start selling raw milk again soon, after performing (and clearing) some additional tests. "Hopefully, within the next 10 days, we'll have a dairy that's up and going, and products will be flowing from a different area of California," he said. Raw Farm cows recently tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. The virus has been sweeping through California's Central Valley herds, among others nationwide. Raw Farms That would be welcome news to President-elect Trump's pick to head up Health and Human Services next year. Kennedy has promised to end the FDA's "war" on raw milk. McAfee said he's been tapped by Kennedy's transition team to apply for a position advising the FDA on standards and policy for raw milk production. "People don't really appreciate the deep science of this," he said. "I do." He pointed to the latest science that suggests the biggest hazard for bird flu transmission lies not in the milk itself, but in dairy cow udders. CDC So far, of the 32 human bird flu cases reported in California, 31 have been traced back to cattle exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been warning dairy workers to watch out for raw milk splashing into their eyeballs, and McAfee said his dairy workers wear eye protection.

McAfee is trying to set up some raw milk bottling and processing in another area of the state that isn't as affected by the current H5N1 outbreak as the Central Valley. He said he hopes to start selling raw milk again soon, after performing (and clearing) some additional tests. "Hopefully, within the next 10 days, we'll have a dairy that's up and going, and products will be flowing from a different area of California," he said. https://www.businessinsider.com/raw-milk-in-california-being-pasteurized-bird-flu-sweeps-state-2024-12

Nov 30, 2024 Press Package "Raw Farm Press Package for HPAI N5N1 (sic)"

DEAR CUSTOMERS AND MEDIA OUR FAMILY AND TEAM IS PROUD TO BE WORKING EXTREMELY HARD TO RESUME FULL SUPPLY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. WE HAVE PAUSED PRODUCTION WHILE OUR HERD IS UNDER QUARANTINE. THERE ARE NO ILLNESSES ASSOCIATED WITH H5NI IN OUR PRODUCTS, BUT RATHER THIS IS A POLITICAL ISSUE. THERE ARE NO FOOD SAFETY ISSUES WITH OUR PRODUCTS OR CONSUMER SAFETY. WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS RESOLVING THIS POLITICAL ISSUE WHILE BEING COOPERATIVE WITH OUR GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCIES. WE KNOW THAT ANY INTERRUPTION OF OUR PRODUCTS CAN LEAD TO PANIC BECAUSE OUR PRODUCTS ARE VITAL TO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND HEALTH. OUR FAMILY BUSINESS HAS FACED MANY POLITICAL CHALLENGES BEFORE AND WE ARE RESILIENT. WE WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT OUR TEAM IS DOING ALL WE CAN TO GET BACK TO FULL SUPPLY AND TO DELIVERING TO ALL STORES NEAR YOU. OUR TEAM WILL BE MAKING ANNOUNCEMENTS TO LET OUR CUSTOMERS KNOW WHEN THEY CAN FIND A RESTOCK. WE EXPECT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SOON. STAY TUNED TO OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR BREAKING NEWS AND TIMEFRAMES. - SINCERELY, THE RAW FARM FAMILY AND TEAM https://rawfarmusa.com/press-release

Three days after his first recall, tests found genetic fragments of bird flu (not the virus itself) in a second batch of raw milk from his farm delivered to Erewhon and Sprouts Farmers Market. By Monday, the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced that all Raw Farm operations would be “under quarantine.” https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/how-raw-milk-went-from-hippie-to-maga.html

Fauci: And that’s the reason why, when you build new structures or when you certify structures, that you keep in mind the importance of good ventilation. Lewis: Yeah, absolutely. You know, the future of pandemic preparedness and, you know, obviously we’re dealing now with avian flu, H5N1, in dairy cows and poultry in the U.S. and Canada, so can you talk a little bit—I’m just curious, like, what your thoughts are on the current outbreak of H5N1. I know you’ve dealt with this virus before in a global context, so can you talk about how prepared we might be or how we’re handling this situation? Fauci: And that’s the reason why, when you build new structures or when you certify structures, that you keep in mind the importance of good ventilation. Lewis: Yeah, absolutely. You know, the future of pandemic preparedness and, you know, obviously we’re dealing now with avian flu, H5N1, in dairy cows and poultry in the U.S. and Canada, so can you talk a little bit—I’m just curious, like, what your thoughts are on the current outbreak of H5N1. I know you’ve dealt with this virus before in a global context, so can you talk about how prepared we might be or how we’re handling this situation? The somewhat encouraging news is that the H5N1 that’s infected humans now has not generally caused serious illness. It predominantly causes a conjunctivitis and mild systemic symptoms. There’s been one case of a person who actually went in intensive care and was hospitalized, but the overwhelming majority did not have serious disease. Now let me tell you the sobering news. The sobering news is that that can change because the virus infects more than one species and we know it can infect pigs. Pigs are on farms with chickens and with cows, and chickens and cows can infect, with their virus, a pig, and then a human virus can go into [a] pig, and then you could get a reassortment of a virus that has some of the dangerous qualities of H5N1 and some of the capability of spreading from human to human of a human virus. So that’s what public health officials are concerned about: that when you have the circulation of this virus in multiple species, including a “mixing bowl” species like a pig, you might get a reassortment and a mutation that could make this something we really have to be concerned about. And that’s the reason why the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] says although currently the risk in general is low, we still have to pay close attention to the possibility that that might change. Lewis: Right, and I think you alluded to, there was this one case in Canada that was a teenager who’s currently still in intensive care or critical condition, and that seems to be related to maybe a different strain or, or substrain of the virus ... Fauci: Yeah, yeah, the mutations in that virus are a bit different than what we’re seeing generally with the bird flu involving the 40-plus human individuals. Lewis: Right. Do you worry that we are not doing enough to sort of contain ... Fauci: Yeah. Lewis: The outbreak in cows and chickens and other animals at this point ... Fauci: Well, you know, even going back to original COVID, when you listen to what I was saying in the early years of COVID, we’ve gotta flood the system with testing. If you don’t know the extent of the spread, you’re really swimming blindly, as it were, not knowing where you’re going. My recommendation—and I’m not alone in this; a number of my public health colleagues and my infectious disease colleagues say the same thing—we should be doing more widespread serosurveillance testing for the extent of the infection. Perhaps a large number of people are asymptomatically infected, and you really need to know that if you’re trying to monitor what the spread of this virus would be. Lewis: Right. If H5N1 were to become more transmissible in humans, and it—you know, the more opportunities it gets, the, the higher the likelihood of that, do you think that we are any better prepared for a potential pandemic today than we were four years ago? Fauci: Well, I would hope so. I hope that we would learn the lessons that, at the local public health level—you know, when, when I evaluate, retrospectively, how we did with COVID, for the sake of clarity, I put it into two separate categories: what the scientific response was and what the public health response was. I think anyone who looks at the data would agree that we get an A+ for the scientific response because the decades of investment in basic and clinical biomedical research allowed us to do something that was completely unprecedented: namely, [the length of the period] from the time the viral sequence was made available publicly on January 10, 2020, to the time that we had a very well-tested, in 30,000-person clinical trial, a vaccine that went into the arms of persons that was safe and highly effective. So we need to keep the investment in the science to do the same thing with future pandemics, including the possibility of H5N1. The public health response really needs to be improved. Particularly, we have, in many cases, at the local public health level some antiquated elements of that—about getting information available in real time to the people, for example, at the state and CDC level who are gonna be making decisions. So I think we are a bit better prepared, but I think we better continue to learn the lessons that we should’ve and hopefully did learn from COVID. Lewis: As a follow-up to that, about the public health response, do you think that our disease readiness and our ability to respond effectively is more of a scientific problem or really a human behavior one, and if it’s the latter, how can we address the deep divisions ... Fauci: Right. Lewis: And deep skepticism of science that we see in this country? Fauci: Well, I think you just hit on the most important aspect of our weakness in response. As I just mentioned, I don’t think it’s scientific; I think we’ve done very well scientifically. I think it is a human element issue. I think the worst possible thing that you could have, the worst possible situation that you can have when you’re in the middle or the beginning of an evolving pandemic is the profound degree of divisiveness that we have had and still have in our country. I mean, it’s like being at war: the common enemy is the virus. And we were acting, in many situations and in many respects, as if the enemy were each other. Political-ideological issues determined whether someone would wear a mask or not; that determined whether someone would get vaccinated or not. That is really very tragic because someone, for ideological reasons, not utilizing a lifesaving intervention like a vaccine is tragic for that person and their family, and we’ve seen that because red states, which were undervaccinated compared to blue states, which were better vaccinated—the hospitalization and death rates in red states was higher than in blue states. I mean, that is very painful to me as a public health person: that people, good people, got ill and lost their lives because ideologically, they didn’t wanna make use of a lifesaving intervention. Lewis: Mm, yeah, no, it is tragic, I think, and that is probably the challenge ahead of us now if we face any other threat, like bird flu, that the same public health measures are gonna be, potentially, resisted. Fauci: Yeah, I think we have a ways to go, that we have got to, first of all, mend the, the differences among us to try and realize that we are more alike than different. Even though it looks like we have different major tribes in this country, we really have very, very much more in common than we have differences. And, you know, ideological differences and differences [of] opinion are healthy; it makes for a very vibrant society. But when those differences turn into divisiveness, then it gets in the way of what I would consider the most effective response in a public arena for something as devastating as a pandemic. Rachel Feltman: That’s all for today’s episode. Keep an eye out for more of Tanya’s conversation with Fauci on ScientificAmerican.com. And don’t forget to check out Fauci’s new book, On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service. Science Quickly is produced by me, Rachel Feltman, along with Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was reported and co-hosted by Tanya Lewis. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check our show. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Subscribe to Scientific American for more up-to-date and in-depth science news. For Scientific American, this is Rachel Feltman. See you on Friday! This episode is part of “Health Equity Heroes,” an editorially independent special project that was produced with financial support from Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

December 4, 2024 Why Anthony Fauci Is Concerned about Bird Flu and Public Division “America’s Doctor” says that our common enemy is the danger posed by viruses, not each other. By Rachel Feltman, Tanya Lewis, Fonda Mwangi & Jeffery DelViscio Anaissa Ruiz Tejada/Scientific American Health Podcasts https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/anthony-fauci-warns-of-bird-flu-dangers-and-how-public-division-could-make/

Raw Farm's raw milk is set to be removed from stores. ((Tomas Ovalle / For The Times))© (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times) After two limited recalls, all raw milk and cream from a Fresno-based dairy farm must be removed from store shelves. The cows at Raw Farm are infected with H5N1 bird flu, state officials say. The recall, which is voluntary, encompasses all milk and cream products not included in the recalls announced last month, officials said in a statement Tuesday night. State officials quarantined the Raw Farm dairy herds — which are in Fresno and outside Hanford — Thursday and suspended future sales. This new recall is meant to remove all products remaining on store shelves. Public health officials identified the H5N1 virus in retail raw milk samples on Nov. 21 and Nov. 27. Further testing of Raw Farm's bulk milk storage and bottling facility showed more of the virus. The recall applies only to raw whole milk and cream. However, the state is urging consumers to avoid other raw milk products, including cheese and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food products, including "raw milk pet food topper" and "pet food kefir." The state's Department of Food and Agriculture has placed the farm under quarantine and has suspended distribution of any raw milk product produced on or after Nov. 27. No human bird flu cases have yet been associated with raw milk products from Raw Farm. Related video: After raw milk operation suspended, CA farm works with health officials (KCRA Sacramento) https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/all-raw-milk-from-fresno-dairy-farm-will-be-cleared-from-store-shelves-cows-have-bird-flu/ar-AA1vfBEp

State Secures Broad Voluntary Recall of Raw Milk and Cream to Protect Consumers December 3, 2024 NR24-044 Recall includes all Raw Farm, LLC raw milk and cream remaining on retail shelves; CDPH warns consumers against consuming any raw milk products from quarantined farm What You Need to Know: California has secured a broad, voluntary recall of all Raw Farm, LLC raw milk and cream products due to possible bird flu contamination. Californians are strongly encouraged not to consume any raw milk or cream products in their possession or still on store shelves. Pasteurized milk remains safe to drink. Sacramento – Continuing its action to protect public health, the state has secured a broad, voluntary recall of all raw whole milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC that remain on retail shelves following multiple bird flu virus detections in the company’s milk and dairy in the past week. Raw Farm milk products have tested positive for bird flu at both retail and dairy storage and bottling sites in recent days. Today’s expanded recall ensures that all sizes of Raw Farm milk and cream, produced between November 9 and November 27, are pulled from retail shelves. The affected lot numbers are 20241109 through 20241127, which includes the two lots recalled last week (November 27 and November 24). Customers should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase. Public health officials identified the bird flu virus in retail products from Raw Farm, LLC last week. Additional testing by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) of bulk milk storage and bottled products at Raw Farm’s bottling facility showed the presence of the bird flu virus. All milk tested by CDFA remained at the Raw Farm plant and was not released to consumers. As the disease investigation continues, Raw Farm is cooperating fully with CDPH and CDFA. While this voluntary recall only applies to raw whole milk and cream, due to multiple bird flu detections in the company's operation 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. In addition to the statewide voluntary recall, CDFA has placed the farm under quarantine, suspending any new distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after November 27. No human bird flu cases associated with the product have been confirmed to date, and the state is working closely with federal and local partners to investigate the situation and better understand how it might impact consumers. California continues to monitor and respond to bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry. Bird flu virus levels have been demonstrated to be high in raw milk from infected cows, and sporadic human cases identified in workers in close contact with infected dairy cows and their milk indicate that raw milk is infectious to humans. Risks Associated with Raw Milk Public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to elevated risks of foodborne illness. 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. Raw milk products are not pasteurized, a heating process that kills bacteria and viruses such as bird flu. Pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products are safe to consume because the heating process kills pathogens, including bird flu, that can cause illness. Drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to illness. In addition, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection. 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. Anyone who has consumed these specific products and is experiencing these symptoms, should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department. Pet Safety and Raw Milk Pet Food Products CDPH advises consumers to avoid raw milk “pet food topper” and “pet food kefir” products marketed to pet owners. They should neither eat this food themselves nor feed it to their pets. Cats, dogs, and other animals may become sick with bird flu after drinking raw milk. Cats on infected dairy farms in multiple states have died from bird flu, most likely from drinking raw milk from infected cows. CDPH encourages pet owners to avoid feeding their pets raw pet food products in general, including raw milk-based products. To further limit risk to pets, pet owners should also keep their pets away from sick or dead birds. California Regularly Tests Raw Milk As part of the state’s bird flu response, testing of raw milk from dairies has been increased to help prevent raw milk consumers from getting the virus. Once bird flu was found in California dairy herds, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) began regular testing of raw milk in bulk tanks. In response to these recent positive tests from two retail raw milk batches, CDFA followed up with immediate additional sampling and testing at Raw Farm. 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. CDPH advises consumers not to drink raw milk or eat raw milk products due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. About Bird Flu Since early October, California has reported 31 confirmed human cases of bird flu, 30 of whom had direct contact with infected dairy cows. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California or the U.S. To date, all cases have reported mild symptoms (primarily eye infections), and none have been hospitalized. Because bird flu viruses can change and gain the ability to spread more easily between people, public health officials have provided preventive measures and are monitoring animal and human infections carefully. Protecting Public Health California continues to take swift and comprehensive action in response to the detection of bird flu in dairy cows across the Central Valley, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health and worker safety. While the overall risk to the public remains low, the state is prioritizing containment efforts, raising public awareness, and providing resources to those at higher risk. Key initiatives include the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), increased testing, and robust surveillance of infected areas. Through coordinated efforts between CDPH, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and other agencies, California is leading a cross-agency response that includes multilingual outreach to dairy and poultry workers, a targeted social media campaign to promote preventive practices, and media interviews to keep the public informed. Additionally, the state is ensuring that farm workers have access to additional doses of seasonal flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce concurrent flu risks. Specifically, the state is: Working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows.  Distributing protective gear to dairy farms and workers who have contact with infected dairy cows or raw milk to reduce the risk of getting bird flu.  Helping ensure individuals with symptoms of or exposure to bird flu have access to testing and treatment.  Conducting timely public education efforts to ensure those impacted have information about bird flu.  How Bird Flu Spreads Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after contact with raw milk from an infected cow, or other contaminated items or surfaces.  Splashing raw milk from an infected cow into eyes, nose, or mouth. Drinking raw milk from a cow infected with bird flu virus.  More Resources For the latest information on the state’s bird flu response, visit CDPH’s Bird Flu webpage and CDFA’s H5N1 Bird Flu Virus in Livestock site.  For information on the national bird flu response, see CDC's Bird Flu Response Update.  For work-related questions or complaints related to bird flu, contact the Cal/OSHA Call Center in English or Spanish at 1-833-579-0927. Employers can contact the California Occupational Health and Safety Division at 800-963-9424 for a free consultation to strengthen their illness and injury safety program.  Farmers should contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s bird flu hotline at 866-922-2473 if they suspect their animals are infected with bird flu. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-044.aspx

Fresno’s Raw Farm, LLC diary products recalled for bird flu by: Victoria Meza Posted: Dec 3, 2024 / 09:00 PM PST Updated: Dec 3, 2024 / 09:00 PM PST FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A voluntary recall has been issued, affecting products from a Fresno raw dairy company, the California Department of Public Health announced. Officials say the voluntary recall was issued for all Raw Farm, LLC milk and cream products that remain on retail shelves due to a possible bird flu contamination. According to officials, the voluntary recall follows the detection of bird flu contamination in the company’s milk and dairy in the past week, and they add the company’s products have tested positive for the virus at both retail and dairy storage and bottling sites in recent days. The recall affected all milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC produced between Nov. 3 and Nov. 27. The affected lot numbers are 20241109 through 20241127, which includes lots from Nov. 27 and Nov. 24, also recently recalled, officials said. Although the recall only applies to milk and cream products from Raw Farm, health department officials urge everyone to avoid consuming any of their products, including raw milk, cheese, and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food topper and pet food kefir marketed to pet owners. The company has also been placed under quarantine. Health department officials say pasteurized milk remains safe to drink. https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/fresnos-raw-farm-llc-diary-products-recalled-for-bird-flu/

'Broad recall' of raw milk in California after bird flu testing Following two recalls, a California producer of raw milk has had to issue a recall of all of its milk following detection of the bird flu virus. (c) ConsumerAffairs Share It follows two recalls by Raw Farm because of bird flu Dieter Holger, Data Reporter •Dec 4, 2024 California health officials said late Tuesday they secured a "broad recall" of raw milk and raw cream, pulling all products made by producer Raw Farms off shelves after testing turned up positive for bird flu. Fresno-based Raw Farm is now under quarantine, suspending any new distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after Nov. 27, the California Department of Public Health said. The action follows two recalls by Raw Farm after bird flu was detected in milk sold at retailers. In response to previous recalls, Raw Farm told ConsumerAffairs that raw milk is safe to drink and has health benefits that pasteurized milk doesn't have. The sale of raw milk is legal in California and all 50 states, but has more restrictions because of the danger it contains pathogens that aren't eliminated through pateurization, which heats up milk to kill germs but also kills bacteria that raw milk advocates say promote health. What are the product details of the recalled raw milk and raw cream? Product name: Raw Farm Lot number: 20241109 through 20241127 Production date: Nov. 9 to Nov. 27 Where was the raw milk with bird flu sold? The County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory first detected the bird flu in the milk at an unnamed retail location, the CDPH said Nov. 25. On Nov. 26, the CDPH said further testing by Santa Clara County inspectors found bird flu in a second sample of Raw Farm's raw milk at a retail location. What to do California officials said the public should avoid drinking raw milk and related raw dairty products since they have the danger of being contaminated with bird flu and other harmful germs. Pasteurization, or the heating of milk, kills harmful contamination that can be in raw dairy products, the CDPH said. In response, Raw Farm told ConsumerAffairs that there is no evidence of people getting bird flu after drinking raw milk. What are the health risks of bird flu? Since early October, there have been 29 cases of the bird flu in California, but 28 were among people with direct contact with dairy cows, the CDPH said. To date, no person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California or the U.S., the CPDH said. All cases have reported mild symptoms, such as eye infections, and nobody has been hospitalized, the CPDH said. The CPDH said on Dec. 3 that a child had contracted bird flu without known contact with a farm animal, but just had mild respiratory symptoms. Still, the CDPH said "bird flu viruses can change and gain the ability to spread more easily between people." How was the bird flu found? Health officials detected bird flu in the raw milk after testing. Californian health officials have stepped up their testing of raw milk to weekly testing of bulk tanks in response to a recent outbreak of bird flu in dairy herds, the CPDH said. The California Department of Food and Agriculture followed up with Raw Farm for immediate sampling and additional testing after the last two detections of bird flu, the CDPH said. Now, Raw Farm is under quarantine and can't sell its raw milk or other raw dairy products. How many any illnesses from the raw milk? The CDPH said there have been no reported illnesses from the raw milk or raw dairy products as of Dec. 3. Dieter HolgerData Reporter Dieter Holger is a data reporter for ConsumerAffairs. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, PCWorld and dozens of other outlets. He holds a Master of Science in computational and data journalism from Cardiff University and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from UC Santa Cruz. Write to him at [email protected].