Louisiana health officials investigate bacterial infections linked to raw milk

Two individuals tested positive for campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis, which are bacteria frequently found in raw milk. No deaths have been reported.

Pasteurization involves heating milk to eliminate dangerous germs that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. While selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Louisiana, a law passed two years ago permits its sale for animal and pet consumption.

Health officials note that some consumers drink unpasteurized milk under the mistaken belief that heating reduces nutritional value or that raw milk contains beneficial bacteria for gut health. However, the Louisiana Department of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all warn that consuming raw milk is unsafe.

According to the Campaign for Real Milk, retail sales of raw milk are legal in 16 states, and farm-only sales are permitted in 18 others. Legalities vary in 13 remaining states, where sales are largely restricted to pet consumption or herd-share agreements, while remaining illegal for human consumption.

Even with the implementation of clean farming practices, unpasteurized milk carries a high risk of carrying pathogens such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella and salmonella. Severe cases can lead to serious conditions causing stroke, kidney failure or death. High-risk individuals include young children, pregnant women, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

The state health department continues to investigate the source of the illnesses, and officials indicated that additional cases may be identified.