A potential health risk has emerged in California after traces of the deadly avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, were found in raw milk
The virus was detected during routine testing of cream-top, whole raw milk produced by Raw Farm LLC
In response, the company has voluntarily recalled the affected batch, which carries a "best by" date of November 27, following a request from state authorities
This discovery has heightened concerns among public health officials, particularly as the bird flu has shown an unusual spread among dairy cows across the United States this year
This multistate outbreak of the flu, which is technically the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was first reported in March in dairy cows
The rising frequency and diversity of mammalian infections in recent years have heightened concerns about the virus's adaptability and its potential for cross-species transmission
According to California Department of Public Health (CDPH), no illnesses associated with this lot of raw milk have been reported
Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk
Customers should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase. CDPH is also notifying retailers to remove the affected raw milk from their shelves
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory has been testing raw milk products from retail stores as a second line of consumer protection
Pasteurized milk and milk products are safe to consume because the heating process kills pathogens, including bird flu, that can cause illness