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According to the CDC, human infections with Avian Influenza A viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. Raw milk from infected cattle can carry the virus and make people sick. People should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked foods, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or raw milk products, from animals with suspected or confirmed Avian Influenza A (H5N1) infection.

Yes. Raw milk is more likely to contain harmful bacteria and other pathogens that may cause people who consume the milk to become sick.  Severe illness may occur, especially in young children, older adults, people who have compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. The bacteria naturally occur in cattle and can contaminate milk during the harvesting process, even on the cleanest farms.

Outbreaks have been reported in many states including Minnesota, California, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Washington, and Oregon. This has prompted a long list of respected public health organizations to warn consumers against consuming raw milk. That list includes:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Minnesota Department of Health
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians

If you are interested in consuming raw milk, do your homework on the potential health risks by collecting information from multiple, respected sources of public health information.