After two limited recalls, all raw milk and cream from a Fresno-based dairy farm must be removed from store shelves. Raw Farm cows are infected with H5N1 bird flu, state officials say.
The recall, which is voluntary, covers all milk and cream products not included in the recalls announced last month, officials said in a statement Tuesday night.
State officials quarantined Raw Farm's dairy herds, which are located in Fresno and outside Hanford, on Thursday and suspended future sales.
This new recall aims to remove all products left on store shelves.
Public health officials identified the H5N1 virus in retail raw milk samples on November 21 and 27. Additional testing at Raw Farm's bulk milk storage and bottling facility showed more viruses.
The recall applies only to raw whole milk and cream. However, the state urges consumers to avoid other raw dairy products, including cheese and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food products, including “raw milk pet food toppers” and “kefir.” for pet food.
The state Department of Food and Agriculture quarantined the farm and suspended distribution of any raw milk products produced starting Nov. 27.
No cases of human avian flu have yet been associated with Raw Farm raw milk products.
State health officials warn that accidentally drinking or inhaling raw milk infected with H5N1 could cause illness.
“In addition, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with the bird flu virus can also lead to infection,” state officials said in a statement.
Symptoms of bird flu infection include red or runny eyes, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever.
“Anyone who has consumed these specific products and is experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact their healthcare provider or local health department,” the statement said.
