In a concerning development, health officials in California are investigating a suspected case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a child who reportedly consumed raw milk. This case has reignited discussions about the safety of raw dairy products and the potential risks associated with the ongoing bird flu outbreak in the United States.
A child in Marin County, California, developed flu-like symptoms, including fever and vomiting, after drinking raw milk in November1. The child was taken to a local emergency department for treatment and has since recovered. Initial tests revealed that the child was positive for Influenza A virus, a group that includes both human influenza viruses and H5N1 avian flu1.
This potential case highlights the broader issue of bird flu’s spread in the United States, particularly among dairy cattle. Since March 2024, the virus has affected over 710 dairy herds across 15 states, with California reporting the highest number of infections6. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed at least 58 human cases of bird flu, including 32 in California2.
The incident has intensified warnings about the consumption of raw milk. Health officials have long cautioned against drinking unpasteurized milk due to various health risks, but the current bird flu outbreak has amplified these concerns4. Raw milk can potentially harbor dangerous pathogens, including E. coli, listeria, and now potentially the bird flu virus4.
It’s important to note that pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted tests showing that the pasteurization process effectively inactivates the avian influenza virus7. Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health, stated, “If you’re consuming pasteurized milk or dairy products, the risk is extraordinarily low”8.
In response to the growing concerns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a federal mandate to examine the country’s milk supply6. This initiative will involve collecting samples from dairy operations, transportation, and processing facilities. The testing will initially focus on several states, including California, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas6.
Health officials are advising the public to avoid consuming raw milk and raw milk products. Pet owners are also cautioned against feeding their animals raw dairy products, as there have been reports of cats suffering brain damage and fatalities after consuming contaminated raw milk5.
Scientists are still working to understand the full implications of bird flu in the milk supply. While the risk of human infection through milk consumption appears low, researchers emphasize the need for continued vigilance and study7.
As this situation continues to evolve, health authorities stress the importance of following food safety guidelines and remaining informed about potential risks associated with dairy consumption, particularly raw milk products.
