MDHHS: Avian flu another reason to avoid raw milk products

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — With bird flu outbreaks spreading in dairy cow herds, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is reminding people of the risks of consuming unpasteurized milk.

While very rare, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza can spread to humans. Two cases have been reported over the last two years, including a case in Texas earlier this month .

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, warns that HPAI is far from the only risk presented by consuming raw milk.

“Anyone can get sick from drinking raw milk, but children under age 5, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk of getting sick,” Bagdasarian said in a statement . “Now that HPAI is infecting both cows and birds, it’s important to make sure that you are consuming food that is safe, including ensuring that the milk products you eat or drink are pasteurized.”

Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that destroys microorganisms within certain foods and beverages, including salmonella and E. coli. All milk products approved by the Food and Drug Administration must be pasteurized, meaning products sold in local stores are considered safe.

“Raw milk can get contaminated in many ways. While good safety practices can reduce the chance of germs getting in raw milk, they cannot eliminate risk,” the MDHHS stated.

Since late March , four dairy herds and two poultry farms across West Michigan have confirmed outbreaks of HPAI. All milk harvested from sick animals is not allowed to be sold.

The current HPAI outbreak , which sparked in February of 2022, has now affected more than 85 million birds nationwide, making it the worst outbreak of bird flu in American history. While HPAI is almost always fatal in birds, the mortality rate is considered low in cows.

Those who suspect avian flu in their domestic animals are asked to call MDARD immediately at 800.292.3939 during the day or 517.373.0440 after hours.

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