Can Raw Milk Make You Sick? Bird Flu Fears Prompt Officials to Crack Down
Federal and state officials are intensifying their warnings about raw milk amid concerns over the H5N1 bird flu virus, which was recently detected in America’s milk supply. While pasteurized milk is deemed safe, raw milk poses potential risks due to its lack of processing.
What Is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is unpasteurized milk that skips the heat treatment process designed to kill harmful pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Advocates of raw milk claim it retains more enzymes, probiotics, and vitamins, offering potential health benefits. However, the scientific community largely disagrees.
According to John Lucey, director of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research, there’s little evidence to support the alleged benefits of raw milk. “The short answer is no, there are no proven benefits,” he stated.
The Bird Flu Risk
The H5N1 virus, first detected in America’s milk supply earlier this year, was found to be inactive in pasteurized milk due to the heat treatment. However, raw milk provides a potential route for the virus to survive and spread.
Last week, California public health officials issued a voluntary recall of raw milk and cream from Raw Farm LLC after detecting the virus at their facilities. While no illnesses have been reported from consuming raw milk, researchers caution that the virus can be transmitted through it.
Legal and Health Implications
The sale of raw milk is banned across state lines in the U.S. under federal law and is outright prohibited in several states. However, in California, raw milk remains legal for retail sale, making it a point of contention between public health officials and producers like Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee, who criticized the recent recall as an overreaction.
Is Raw Milk Worth the Risk?
While supporters claim raw milk can prevent conditions like asthma and allergies, experts advise caution. Pasteurized milk remains the safer option, particularly as bird flu continues to impact farms across the U.S.
As officials ramp up testing of milk on farms, consumers are urged to consider the potential health risks of raw milk. For now, experts recommend sticking to pasteurized milk to avoid exposure to harmful pathogens like the H5N1 virus.
Who Can Get Sick from Raw Milk? Understanding the Risks Amid Bird Flu Concerns
Raw milk consumption continues to raise health concerns as experts highlight the risks of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that can lead to severe illnesses. These risks have become more significant with the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in raw milk supplies.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Pathogens in raw milk can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. While these symptoms may be mild for healthy individuals, they can become life-threatening for vulnerable groups, including:
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant women
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
Outbreaks and Health Impacts
Recent outbreaks underscore the dangers of raw milk. Between 2023 and 2024, over 100 people fell ill from salmonella linked to raw milk from Raw Farm LLC, a company now involved in bird flu-related recalls. Among the cases:
- Seven hospitalizations
- 40% of infections occurred in children
This is not the first instance involving Raw Farm products. Previous outbreaks linked their raw milk to E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter infections, according to the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research.
How Pathogens Infect Raw Milk
Raw milk contamination often occurs through bacteria and viruses found on farms. Common sources include:
- E. coli and other bacteria: Found in dirt or feces that can transfer to a cow's udders.
- Improper milking hygiene: Even with cleaning standards, some bacteria can remain.
- Bird flu virus: Detected near cows’ mammary glands and in milk samples before visible symptoms.
Dr. Meghan Davis, an environmental health expert at Johns Hopkins, explains that pasteurization is essential for killing these pathogens, as raw milk leaves them intact.
Industry Pushback
Raw Farm LLC has criticized investigations and media coverage, calling them biased and part of a “corrupt agenda.” In a blog post, the company claimed, “This is just the most recent of a long history of dirty tricks.” Despite these assertions, health officials maintain that raw milk presents significant risks.
Trump Administration’s Role in the Raw Milk Debate Amid Bird Flu Fears
Raw milk has recently garnered heightened attention, not only due to bird flu concerns but also because of its notable support from political figures. Among them, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a strong advocate for raw milk, has played a pivotal role in driving demand.
Kennedy’s Influence and the Trump Connection
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has long championed raw milk consumption. As the department responsible for overseeing public health policies, including raw milk standards, Kennedy’s appointment could reshape the raw milk industry.
Mark McAfee, CEO of Raw Farm LLC, stated in a November interview with USA TODAY that Kennedy’s backing has significantly boosted demand for raw milk, noting, “The market is going crazy because of what’s going on with RFK, and then the food-as-medicine concept.”
McAfee also revealed that Kennedy’s transition team had allegedly contacted him about advising on the FDA’s raw milk policies. However, a Trump transition spokesperson denied any official communication between McAfee and the HHS or Presidential Personnel Office.
Raw Milk Risks Amid Bird Flu Outbreaks
As bird flu continues to affect U.S. dairies, public health experts urge caution. The H5N1 virus, linked to high mortality rates in past outbreaks globally, poses a risk despite causing only mild infections in the U.S. thus far.
John Lucey, director of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research, expressed concern about the increasing popularity of raw milk amidst such risks:
“I’m hoping to God that it doesn’t harm anybody. But I’m not burying my head in the sand.”
Public Health vs. Market Demand
Kennedy’s advocacy for raw milk and its perceived health benefits has reignited the "food-as-medicine" debate. Supporters claim raw milk is a natural and healthier alternative, while experts warn of its potential to transmit deadly pathogens, including bird flu, E. coli, and salmonella.