The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) have issued a reminder about the risks associated with consuming raw milk, especially in light of the current H5N1 Avian Influenza outbreak. Although there have been no reports of the virus among residents or detections in dairy cows within New Jersey, caution is advised due to detections in other states.
Raw milk, which is not pasteurized, can contain harmful germs that cause serious illnesses such as Brucella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures that commercial milk supply is safe because it undergoes pasteurization before reaching consumers.
“Healthy people of any age can get very sick after consuming raw milk or raw milk products; however, children younger than 5 years, adults over 65 years, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe illness,” stated New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. She emphasized that pasteurization effectively eliminates harmful pathogens in milk.
Pets are also at risk if they consume raw milk. Reports from Texas indicate that cats died after consuming raw milk from cows infected with H5N1 bird flu.
“With the seriousness of potential consequences to pets that may result from pets consuming raw milk from H5N1 AI-infected cows, we strongly recommend consumers avoid handling or using raw milk,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. He highlighted the importance of vigilance given the national distribution system for milk.
Dairies must ensure only healthy animals' milk enters processing for human consumption. Milk from affected animals is diverted or destroyed to prevent contamination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises choosing pasteurized dairy products and maintaining proper refrigeration to reduce illness risks.
Both NJDOH and NJDA continue monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with various partners to safeguard public health in New Jersey.
For more information:
- NJDOH | Novel Influenza
- NJDA | Avian Influenza
- CDC | H5N1 Bird flu: Current Situation Summary
- CDC | Current H5N1 Bird flu Situation in Dairy Cows
- FDA | Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
