E. coli and Campylobacter Outbreak Associated With Colorado Raw Milk
An outbreak of E. coli and Campylobacter has been associated with raw goat’s milk from Billy Goat Dairy in Longmont, Colorado, according to local news reports. Sixteen people have become ill after drinking the milk, two of which are children who required hospitalization, according to Boulder County Public Health (BCPH).
The dairy has been ordered by BCPH to cease the sale and distribution of its raw milk products. The farm has operated on a goat share system, allowing consumers to buy a share of a goat to receive unpasteurized milk from the goat. Every household member of the program is being contacted by the BCPH to conduct questioning and microbiological tests to determine if they have experienced any illnesses related to this outbreak. According to BCPH:
“We strongly advise residents to avoid consuming any raw milk or milk products,” said Murielle Romine. “It can be extremely dangerous, particularly for young children and people with weakened immune systems.”
E. coli and Campylobacter in Raw Milk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following information about outbreaks linked to raw, unpasteurized dairy products between 1998 and 2005:
- 45 foodborne illness outbreaks attributed to raw milk or cheese made from raw milk
- 1,0007 illnesses
- 104 hospitalizations
- Two deaths
The food safety attorneys at Pritzker Olsen Law firm have represented victims in E. coli lawsuits and Campylobacter lawsuits. “Currently, one of our clients is a man who contracted Campylobacter in a Pennsylvania raw milk outbreak,” said Attorney Fred Pritzker. “This man’s illness developed into a serious complication called Guillain-Barre Syndrome that left him paralyzed. When it comes to raw milk the risks are simply too high.”
E. coli infections can also lead to serious health complications, including kidney failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which attacks blood cells and can lead to long-term kidney damage or even death.
Tags: E coli, raw milk e coli
