California health officials are looking into a potential case of bird flu in a child who became ill after consuming raw milk. The investigation follows the California Department of Public Health’s discovery of the bird flu virus in samples from the dairy. The child has since recovered, and no family members reported illness. Ongoing testing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to confirm whether the child contracted the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
This year, 58 bird flu cases have been confirmed in the U.S., with 32 occurring in California, primarily among farm workers in contact with infected animals. As bird flu spreads among wild birds and poultry, there is concern about its potential mutation for easier human transmission.
Raw milk, sourced directly from cows, sheep, or goats, has recently gained popularity despite some health experts warning against its consumption. Pasteurization, a process that heats milk to eliminate harmful microbes, is supported by the FDA and CDC.
Despite claims from wellness influencers that pasteurization reduces milk’s nutritional value, experts have argued that pasteurized milk remains nutrient-rich. Registered dietitian Brian St. Pierre admitted that pasteurization does in fact reduce some beneficial bacteria, however, it does not strip milk of its essential nutrients.
A large European study previously revealed that children who consume raw milk may have a lower likelihood of developing asthma and allergies compared to those who drink pasteurized milk. Researchers speculated that certain proteins and bacteria in raw milk, which are destroyed during pasteurization, could support the immune systems of developing children. However, they cautioned against introducing raw milk into children’s diets without considering the risks.
Georg Loss, a researcher from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, noted the dual nature of raw milk consumption. While it may help prevent asthma and allergies, it also poses health risks due to harmful microorganisms in milk lacking proper handling.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reiterated that raw milk can harbor bacteria that may lead to severe illness. Despite some studies suggesting benefits, the CDC has emphasized that raw milk is among the riskiest foods.
Critics of the CDC have argued that the organization is biased against raw milk consumption due to some of its largest donors, such as hedge fund manager Ray Dalio. Dalio’s fund, Bridgewater Associates, has significant holdings in Coca-Cola, who is the sole-owner of Fairlife, an ultra-filtered dairy company. Fairlife does over $1 billion in sales annually.
