Raw milk producer in Central Valley latest to halt sales in state due to bird flu outbreak
Fresno County’s Raw Farm, the state’s leading raw milk producer, has temporarily stopped selling its dairy products after state officials discovered bird flu virus among its cows.
The virus has swept through the state’s dairy industry infecting 461 dairies, or nearly half of all of the state’s 1,100 operators. Although not typically fatal to cows like it is to poultry, the virus can cause cows to become lethargic and produce less milk.
Raw Farms founder, Mark McAfee, said the state has placed his dairy under quarantine, meaning he’s not allowed to move any cattle off his property or sell any of his popular brand of raw milk products. The only exception is raw milk cheese made before the quarantine was enacted on Thanksgiving day.
It is unclear how long the quarantine will remain in effect. Officials with the California Department of Food and Agriculture could not be reached for comment Monday.
Recently, state officials confirmed finding the virus in two retail samples taken by the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health.
McAfee said the dairy voluntarily recalled a shipment of “cream top” whole milk half-gallon-size products, lot No. 20231119, expiration date Dec. 7.
No illnesses connected to Raw Farm’s milk have been reported.
McAfee is allowed to sell milk from his 1,800-cow dairy to a processor who will pasteurize it and use it in different products, including milk or cheese. Pasteurization is used in conventional milk production to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses, including avian flu.
The temporary shut down comes at a critical time for McAfee, whose dairy was reporting record sales of raw milk, despite warnings from state and federal health officials about the dangers of drinking raw milk.
One Raw Farm’s fan said she was lucky to find their raw milk at her Sprouts Farmers Market store in the East Bay area. McAfee said the state allowed him to sell any existing product still in the stores.
Raquel Cordaway, a wife and mother of four in Antioch, recently bought a gallon of raw milk and raw kefir for her family.
She said she is aware of the recall and the concern over the bird flu virus, but she still plans to consume raw milk.
“I consider myself informed and I understand the risks, but for me and my family the nutrition I get from raw dairy is unmatched, it is my liquid protein,” Cordaway said.
She also vows to continue consuming raw milk once the quarantine on Raw Farm is lifted.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
