California officials have recalled and quarantined raw milk from Valley Milk Simply Bottled because tests have shown it to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni.

State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones announced the recall and quarantine today in a public alert. She warned consumers about the dangers in the alert. There is concern that some people may have unused portions of the unpasteurized milk in their homes.

“Consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators that were purchased or received on June 19 through June 30, or any product with a code date marked on the container of July 9 or earlier,” Jones said.

The affected raw milk is distributed in one-gallon plastic jugs under the labels “Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Milk” and “DESI MILK Raw Milk.”

The California Department of Food and Agriculture found the campylobacter bacteria in a routine sample of packaged products collected at the Valley Milk Simply Bottled production and packaging facility. No illnesses have been reported to date.

It is against federal law to engage in interstate sales of raw milk, but some states allow the sale of it within their borders. California allows the sale of unpasteurized, raw milk at retail stores, but warning signs must be posted.

Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled raw milk should monitor themselves for symptoms of Campylobacter infection. Children who were served the milk should also be monitored for illness.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The illness usually occurs 2 to 5 days after exposure to campylobacter and lasts about a week. In some people with compromised immune systems, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection.

A small percentage of people may have joint pain and swelling after infection. Also, a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes weakness and paralysis can occur several weeks after the initial illness.

The Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry says raw milk produced by Swan Bros. Dairy, Inc. in Claremore is the subject of a statewide recall due to the confirmed detection of Campylobacter jejuni.

Anyone who has purchased or received their raw milk products between April 9 and June 22 is strongly urged to dispose of any remaining product.

The raw milk products were sold in plastic half-gallons, gallons, and pints directly from the Swan Bros. Dairy in Claremore and include raw whole milk, raw 2% milk, raw skim milk, and raw heavy cream sold in pints.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea—often bloody, abdominal cramps, and fever. These symptoms could be paired with nausea and vomiting.

Most people with campylobacteriosis recover completely.

The illness usually occurs 2 to 5 days after exposure to campylobacter and lasts about a week. The illness is usually mild and some people with campylobacteriosis have no symptoms at all. However, in some persons with compromised immune systems or for those receiving chemotherapy, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection.

ODAFF found the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in a sample collected from Swans Bros. Dairy Inc.

To date, 10 people have tested positive for the bacterial infection from these products.

Most illnesses likely occur due to consuming raw/non-pasteurized milk and milk products and undercooked meat products. Pasteurization kills foodborne pathogens and harmful bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni. Raw milk cheeses are considered safe if aged at least 60 days.

Campylobacteriosis is not usually spread from person to person.

If you have consumed any raw milk from Swan Bros. Dairy, Inc., it is recommended to dispose of the remaining product and contact your medical provider if you experience any symptoms.

As of December 17, 2019, a total of 30 people infected with Campylobacter have been reported from 13 states. A list of the states and the number of confirmed cases in each state can be found on the Map of Reported Cases page.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 6, 2019, through November 10, 2019. Ill people range in age from 8 months to 70 years, with a median age of 34; 52% of ill people are female. Of 26 people with information available, 4 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported.

WGS analysis of 26 isolates from ill people predicted antibiotic resistance to tetracycline (26 isolates), ciprofloxacin (25), nalidixic acid (25), azithromycin (23), erythromycin (23), clindamycin (23), telithromycin (23), and gentamicin (18). Testing of one outbreak isolate using standard antibiotic susceptibility testing methods by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory confirmed these results.

Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that puppies purchased from pet stores are the likely source of this outbreak. Many of the cases had contact with puppies or were employees at pet stores, including Petland.

CDC included ill people in this outbreak if

  • their stool (poop) sample grew Campylobacter jejuni in the laboratory (called a culture-confirmed infection) and they also had a link to puppies, or
  • they had a culture-confirmed Campylobacter jejuni infection that was closely related genetically to a confirmed puppy-linked case by WGS.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about dog, puppy, and other exposures they had in the week before they became ill. Of 24 people interviewed, 21 (88%) reported contact with a puppy in the week before illness started, and 15 (71%) of those 21 people reported contact with a puppy from a pet store. When asked about the specific pet store, 12 (80%) of those 15 people reported either having contact with a puppy or working at a Petland store.

Investigators reported eight more ill people who had contact with a puppy at Petland and had a diagnostic test showing they were infected with Campylobacter bacteria. However, CDC did not include these people in the outbreak case count because no bacterial samples were available for WGS. Public health investigators use WGS to identify illnesses that are part of multistate outbreaks.

A single, common supplier of puppies has not been identified. This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates if more information becomes available.

According to press reports, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is warning consumers who bought raw whole milk distributed by Bad Farm in Kempton, Berks County, that they should immediately discard the milk, which was sold in plastic half-gallons, gallons and pints with sell-by date of Aug. 23.

Tests completed during routine sampling indicated that the product tested positive for Campylobacter bacteria, a news release stated.

The milk, labelled Bad Farm, was sold at Emmaus Farmers Market, Lehighton Farmers Market, Trexlertown Farmers Market, and in Bad Farm’s on-site store and Wannamakers General Store, both in Kempton.

The product was voluntarily recalled and pulled from shelves by the distributor.

Campylobacter can cause gastrointestinal illness including diarrhea, cramps, fever and pain.

People who consumed the milk should consult their physicians if they become ill.

The state Department of Health reported that one customer had a confirmed Campylobacter infection after drinking the milk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) investigated a multistate outbreak of drug-resistant Campylobacter infections. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicated that contact with puppies sold through Petland stores was a likely source of this outbreak.

A total of 113 people with laboratory-confirmed infections or symptoms consistent with Campylobacter infection were linked to this outbreak. Illnesses were reported from 17 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 12, 2016 to January 7, 2018. Ill people ranged in age from less than 1 year to 86, with a median age of 27. Sixty-three percent of ill people were female. Of 103 people with available information, 23 (22%) were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that isolates from people infected with Campylobacter were closely related genetically, meaning that people in this outbreak were more likely to share a common source of infection.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and any animal contact in the week before they became ill. Ninety-nine percent of people reported contact with a puppy in the week before illness started, and 87% reported they had contact with a puppy from Petland stores or had contact with a person who became sick after contact with a puppy from a Petland store. Twenty-five ill people worked at Petland stores.

During the investigation, officials collected samples from pet store puppies for laboratory testing and identified the outbreak strain of Campylobacter in the samples. WGS showed that the Campylobacter isolates from sick people in this outbreak and isolates from pet store puppies were closely related genetically, providing additional evidence that people got sick from contact with pet store puppies.

Campylobacter bacteria isolated from clinical samples from people sickened in this outbreak were resistant to commonly recommended, first-line antibiotics. The 12 isolates tested by standard methods were resistant to azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, telithromycin, and tetracycline. In addition, 10 were resistant to gentamicin, and 2 were resistant to florfenicol.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) investigated a multistate outbreak of drug-resistant Campylobacter infections. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicated that contact with puppies sold through Petland stores was a likely source of this outbreak.

A total of 113 people with laboratory-confirmed infections or symptoms consistent with Campylobacter infection were linked to this outbreak. Illnesses were reported from 17 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 12, 2016 to January 7, 2018. Ill people ranged in age from less than 1 year to 86, with a median age of 27. Sixty-three percent of ill people were female. Of 103 people with available information, 23 (22%) were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that isolates from people infected with Campylobacter were closely related genetically, meaning that people in this outbreak were more likely to share a common source of infection.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and any animal contact in the week before they became ill. Ninety-nine percent of people reported contact with a puppy in the week before illness started, and 87% reported they had contact with a puppy from Petland stores or had contact with a person who became sick after contact with a puppy from a Petland store. Twenty-five ill people worked at Petland stores.

During the investigation, officials collected samples from pet store puppies for laboratory testing and identified the outbreak strain of Campylobacter in the samples. WGS showed that the Campylobacter isolates from sick people in this outbreak and isolates from pet store puppies were closely related genetically, providing additional evidence that people got sick from contact with pet store puppies.

Campylobacter bacteria isolated from clinical samples from people sickened in this outbreak were resistant to commonly recommended, first-line antibiotics. The 12 isolates tested by standard methods were resistant to azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, telithromycin, and tetracycline. In addition, 10 were resistant to gentamicin, and 2 were resistant to florfenicol.

Raw milk produced and packaged by Valley Milk Simply Bottled of Stanislaus County is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones.

The quarantine order came following the confirmed detection of the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni in the farm’s packaged raw whole milk sampled and tested by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The raw milk is sold in one-gallon plastic jugs and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators that was purchased or received on March 11 through March 19.

CDFA found the campylobacter bacteria in a routine sample collected at the Valley Milk Simply Bottled production and packaging facility.  No illnesses have been reported.

Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.  Most people with camplylobacteriosis recover completely.  Illness usually occurs two to five days after exposure to campylobacter and lasts about a week.  The illness is usually mild and some people with campylobacteriosis have no symptoms at all.  However, in some persons with compromised immune systems, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection.  A small percentage of people may have joint pain and swelling after infection.  In addition, a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes weakness and paralysis can occur several weeks after the initial illness.

In August 2017, the Florida Department of Health notified CDC of six Campylobacter jejuni infections linked to company A, a national pet store chain based in Ohio. CDC examined whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and identified six isolates from company A puppies in Florida that were highly related to an isolate from a company A customer in Ohio. This information prompted a multistate investigation by local and state health and agriculture departments and CDC to identify the outbreak source and prevent additional illness. Health officials from six states visited pet stores to collect puppy fecal samples, antibiotic records, and traceback information. Nationally, 118 persons, including 29 pet store employees, in 18 states were identified with illness onset during January 5, 2016–February 4, 2018. In total, six pet store companies were linked to the outbreak. Outbreak isolates were resistant by antibiotic susceptibility testing to all antibiotics commonly used to treat Campylobacter infections, including macrolides and quinolones. Store record reviews revealed that among 149 investigated puppies, 142 (95%) received one or more courses of antibiotics, raising concern that antibiotic use might have led to development of resistance. Public health authorities issued infection prevention recommendations to affected pet stores and recommendations for testing puppies to veterinarians. This outbreak demonstrates that puppies can be a source of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter infections in humans, warranting a closer look at antimicrobial use in the commercial dog industry.

Longhill Farms is recalling raw, unpasteurized milk in New Zealand because it has been found to be contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria.

The product is sold in 1 liter or 2 liter glass bottles or in customer supplied containers. Affected products have batch numbers: D-0608 to D-1508 inclusive and use-by dates of Aug. 10 to Aug. 19, inclusive.

It was sold from a vending machine at Longhill Farms in Kawakawa, Northland, and is not exported. There have been no reports of illness. Customers are advised to return the products to Longhill Farms for a full refund.

Milk goes from the cow into a refrigerated vat where it is chilled down to under 4 degrees C, according to Longhill Farms’ website.

“To ensure the freshness and good quality, our milk is tested by Fonterra, MilkTestNZ & Eurofins daily, every 10 days, or seasonal if required. All tests are also monitored by AsureQuality,” according to the farm operators.

From March 2016 in New Zealand, registered farmers have been required to sell raw milk directly from the farm gate or by home delivery. Collection points are no longer allowed. The government is scheduled to review the raw milk policy in November this year, two years after full implementation, to ensure it is working effectively.

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand says raw unpasteurized milk from any animal may be contaminated with bacteria such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Listeria and Campylobacter.

Between 2009 and 2016 there were 46 outbreaks where consuming raw milk was a risk factor. At least 70 percent involved children, ranging from 1 to 16 years old. Of those outbreaks, 28 were caused by Campylobacter and four by STEC.

MPI said raw milk is risky for anybody but some groups are especially vulnerable, including young children and babies, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Recommendations for those who choose to consume raw milk or serve it to children or other people include:

Keep it chilled while transporting it home from the farm;
Keep it in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the lower levels are 4 degrees C or cooler;
Throw out if it’s been left out for two or more hours;
When you want to drink your raw milk, heat it until just boiling or to 70 degrees C for one minute before drinking it;
Drink it by the use-by date;
If you’re serving raw milk to friends or visitors, make sure to let them know the risks; and
Buy raw milk only from a registered supplier. From November 2016 forward, producers who sell raw unpasteurized milk have been required to register with MPI.