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ODA issues health alert for raw milk

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued an alert for unpasteurized raw milk and raw milk products after food borne illnesses were reported in Franklin County.

The Ag Department and the Ohio Health department conducted an joint investigation following reports of four illnesses from campylobacter bacteria. Later tests confirmed a connection to raw milk from a herd share with the Sweet Grass Dairy in central Ohio’s Knox County.

Campylobacter  bacteria can cause many symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and nausea within two to five days after exposure. It can be fatal. The only way to avoid infection from raw milk is to not drink it.  Pasteurization of milk and milk products kills bacteria.

Raw milk is not available for sale in Ohio retail stores.