After two limited recalls, all raw milk and cream from the Fresno-based dairy must be removed from stores. State officials say cows at Law Farm are infected with H5N1 avian influenza.
The recall is voluntary and affects all milk and cream products not included in the recall announced last month, officials said in a statement Tuesday night.
State officials on Thursday quarantined the dairy herd at Lowe Farm, outside Fresno and Hanford, and stopped all 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 November 27. Further testing of Low Farm’s bulk milk storage and bottling facility detected more viruses.
The recall only applies to raw whole milk and heavy cream. However, the state is asking consumers to avoid other raw dairy products, including cheese and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food products such as “raw milk pet food toppers” and “pet food kefir.”
The state Department of Food and Agriculture has quarantined the farm and stopped distribution of raw milk products produced after November 27.
There have been no human cases of avian influenza associated with Raw Farm’s raw dairy products.
State health officials warn that drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk infected with H5N1 can lead to illness.
“Additionally, touching raw milk contaminated with avian influenza virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands can cause infection,” state officials said in a statement.
Symptoms of avian influenza infection include red or discharged eyes, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and body aches, headache, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and fever.
“Anyone who has ingested these specific products and is experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department,” the statement said.
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