FRESNO, California – State agriculture officials in California conducted an extensive sampling operation at Mark McAfee’s Raw Farm dairy facility this week, following the detection of the bird flu virus in store-bought raw milk. McAfee reported that officials collected samples from the farm’s two herds, creamery, bulk milk tanks, and trucks. The visit to Raw Farm comes in the wake of a product recall and a series of H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in various state dairy farms.
Raw Farm, located in Fresno and outside of Hanford, maintains 1,800 cattle divided into two herds. The dairy also operates a creamery in Fowler, producing cheese and kefir. Despite the thorough search conducted by California Department of Food and Agriculture officials, questions and concerns have been raised by health experts regarding the recent positive test results for bird flu virus in store-bought raw milk.
The initial detection of the virus in a store-bought sample of McAfee’s raw milk led to a confirmation by the California Department of Public Health. However, subsequent testing on the cows at Raw Farm did not reveal any presence of the virus. This puzzling discrepancy has raised concerns among public health experts, who typically expect viruses to spread rather than disappear once detected on a farm.
Experts have highlighted the need for further testing, particularly a virus isolation test, to confirm the activity of the H5N1 virus in the samples. While health officials have stated that the bird flu virus poses a low risk to the public, they have cautioned against consuming raw, unpasteurized milk. McAfee’s Raw Farm LLC has issued a product recall for all items associated with the positive sample of raw milk.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, numerous herds in California have been affected by the H5N1 virus. McAfee emphasized that regular testing on his bulk milk has yielded negative results, indicating no virus presence in his herds. With advanced monitoring technology in place to track cow health and stringent measures to prevent external farm contamination, McAfee asserts his commitment to maintaining product integrity at Raw Farm. Despite concerns raised by state officials, McAfee remains confident in the safety of his dairy products.