Bird Flu and Raw Milk
You’ve probably seen the headlines and heard the growing alarm in the media about bird flu, also known as avian influenza. The virus started in flocks of chickens and wild birds but has since spread to cattle and even, to a very limited extent, humans. Recently, bird flu has also been detected in milk from infected cattle herds. Alongside this, news outlets and the CDC have been warning about the dangers of consuming raw milk. Given these concerns, I’d like to take a moment to talk with you about this issue and share how Creamy Cow Dairy is approaching it.
What’s Going On?
When bird flu is detected, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) steps in. This usually results in culling entire flocks of chickens. These flocks are typically raised in large confinement facilities—thousands of birds packed indoors under fluorescent lights with no exposure to natural sunlight. It’s not just chickens, though; beef and dairy cattle are also being condemned if they test positive for the virus.
Is Bird Flu a Threat to Humans?
The good news is that bird flu poses very little risk to humans. Since it began circulating in U.S. wild birds and poultry in 2022, there have been only 61 reported human cases as of December 18, 2024 Of those, 55 were infections linked to direct human contact with animals, such as farm workers handling infected livestock. Over the past two years, only 6 cases of potential human-to-human transmission have been reported in a population of 335 million—and none of these resulted in death. To put it in perspective, your odds of being struck by a meteor or winning the Powerball lottery are higher than those of contracting bird flu.
What Are the Real Concerns?
Viruses like bird flu have been around for billions of years and have even played a role in evolution. They exist alongside microbes in nearly every environment. There’s a well-known saying in microbiology: “Everything is everywhere, but the environment selects.” In other words, the presence of pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria in our environment is unavoidable. The real question isn’t whether these pathogens exist but how we can protect ourselves while living alongside them.
At Creamy Cow Dairy, we focus on creating the safest raw milk possible, starting with the health and well-being of our cows. Healthy animals are the foundation of clean, fresh milk.
How Does Creamy Cow Dairy Ensure Safe Raw Milk?
It all starts with the cows. They are fed a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality fresh forages, alfalfa, minerals, and just a small amount of grain at milking. This keeps their ruminant digestive systems in top condition. On pasture, we rotate the herd through multiple grazing areas to minimize parasites and keep the field and fresh forages thriving.
We monitor our cows daily, looking for any signs of health issues. Milk from any cow showing symptoms of illness, like mastitis, is kept separate, and the cow is temporarily removed from the milking line. After milking, the milk is quickly chilled to the proper temperature, and we regularly test it for common pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
The Bigger Picture
Over the past 15 years, raw milk has faced its share of criticism. Anytime someone falls ill—whether or not raw milk is the actual cause—the blame often lands squarely on raw milk itself. This is no coincidence. The industrial dairy industry spends millions lobbying against small, family-run operations like ours. In 2021 alone, the Dairy Checkoff program directed $110 million toward lobbying efforts, many of which are aimed at suppressing raw milk producers (Farm Action).
Raw milk is an amazing, nutrient-dense food. It contains more amino acids, antimicrobials, vitamins, and fatty acids than pasteurized milk (Weston A. Price Foundation). Many people also find it easier to digest. That said, we always encourage our herd-share members to educate themselves about both the benefits and risks before consuming raw milk.
At Creamy Cow Dairy, we are committed to producing the highest-quality raw milk possible while prioritizing the health of our animals and the safety of our milk. If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out.