Don’t Drink Raw Milk, Especially During a Bird Flu Outbreak, Experts Say

Raw milk consumption is rising despite its federal illegality and health risks, including the transmission of pathogens like the H5N1 bird flu. NielsenIQ reports a 25% increase in raw dairy sales over the past year. While legal in 14 states and accessible in many others, raw milk is unpasteurized and poses significant health risks.

The presence of bird flu outbreaks in cattle herds underscores the potential danger of consuming raw milk, as it can serve as a vector for transmitting diseases like bird flu to humans. Studies, such as one from the National Institutes of Health, show high levels of bird flu in mice given raw milk. Additionally, raw milk can transmit salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Read more from The Hill here.