Overview

In a shocking turn of events, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced on December 14 that raw milk from yet another producer, Valley Milk Simply Bottled located in Stanislaus County, is being recalled following positive tests for avian flu in bulk milk samples.

Background on Avian Flu in California

Stanislaus County is situated in California's Central Valley, which has faced significant challenges with H5N1 outbreaks in dairy cows since August. This latest recall differs from a prior incident involving Raw Farms, as it was initiated based on bulk sample tests rather than positive retail product samples.

Recall Details

The CDFA's statement details that the recall extends to quarts, half-gallons, and gallon plastic jugs with date codes ranging from December 23 to December 30. Although no human cases directly linked to the consumption of this raw milk have been reported, the situation remains grave, having already led to the unfortunate deaths of two cats exposed to products from Raw Farms.

Possible Human Case in Delaware Raises Alarm Bells

Adding to the anxiety surrounding avian flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a possible human case in Delaware, where the exposure source remains unidentified. In total, the CDC is currently tracking seven probable avian flu cases in humans, while confirmed human cases in the U.S. have reached 60 since the beginning of the year, primarily attributed to contact with infected cows or poultry.

Concerns Over Unknown Exposure Cases

Importantly, there have been cases reported in California and Missouri that also involve unknown exposure sources, heightening concerns among public health officials.

Widespread Outbreaks: Louisiana Joins the List of Affected States

In a startling development, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Louisiana, marking the state as the last of the 50 states to report such infections. This incident involves a backyard flock in Bossier Parish, a region close to Shreveport, which recently added its first suspected human avian flu case to the mix.

Wild Bird Populations at Risk

Wild bird populations are also on alert, as authorities warn of increasing avian flu cases linked to migrating birds.

California Struggles with Ongoing Outbreaks

California continues to face severe challenges as APHIS reported eight new outbreaks of H5N1 in dairy cattle, pushing the state's total to a staggering 638 affected herds. Notably, outbreaks in poultry are escalating in California, with commercial farms in several counties being impacted, including significant operations in Tulare County housing over 500,000 birds.

Neighboring States Affected

In neighboring states, outbreaks have also surfaced, including a second poultry outbreak in Illinois. The virus's spread is concerning, especially as wildlife experts report a sharp increase in avian flu cases among wild birds, primarily across the northern regions of Iowa.

What Can Be Done?

As health officials ramp up surveillance and prevention measures, consumers are urged to stay informed about recalls and the importance of cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly. With the situation evolving rapidly, the public remains advised to heed warnings and remain vigilant in the face of this ongoing health crisis.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor the situation and bring you the latest developments!