Michigan health department warning residents not to drink raw milk. Here’s why – CBS News

(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan health experts are warning residents about the risks of consuming raw milk as the highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to affect dairy herds in the state.

The virus can spread to humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk products.

"Anyone can get sick from drinking raw milk, but children under age 5, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk for getting sick," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "Now that HPAI is infecting both cows and birds, it's important to make sure that you are consuming food that is safe, including ensuring that the milk products you eat or drink are pasteurized."

Pasteurized milk undergoes a heating process that kills germs that cause diseases, including Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella.

People who consume products made using raw milk are at risk of contracting illnesses; however, milk products sold in stores and given in school lunches are all made from pasteurized milk.

In addition, health experts say milk that someone consumes from the same farm they had previously drank from may not be safe. Even though it did not cause them to get sick previously, it could have become contaminated since then.

Pasteurization inactivates bacteria and viruses, such as the avian influenza virus.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents of the risks associated with drinking raw milk due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, being detected in several Michigan dairy herds.

In March 2024, bird flu was detected in a dairy herd in Montcalm County. Since then, the virus has been detected in herds in Ionia, Isabella and Ottawa counties.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development released the following ways to prevent the spread of the bird flu:

Sara Powers is a digital producer for CBS Detroit. Sara covers local news, often focusing on crime, politics and entertainment.

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Michigan health department warning residents not to drink raw milk. Here's why - CBS News