PA Agriculture Department Warns Consumers of Tainted Raw Milk Sold by Perry County Dairy

11/09/07 Consumers who purchased raw milk from the Amos B. King dairy farm in Blain, Perry County, any time after Aug. 21, should discard it immediately due to the risk of campylobacterosis contamination, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized.

"During routine inspection of the dairy, a preliminary test showed the presence of campylobacter bacteria in some raw milk samples," said Wolff. "If consumers have raw milk from this farm, they should discard it immediately."

There have been no illnesses reported as a result of the potential contamination but if people who consumed the raw milk become ill, they should consult their physicians.

The Department of Agriculture has suspended sales of raw milk at the dairy and is ensuring that corrective action is taken. Samples were taken from the farm during routine testing on Sept. 4, and tested positive for campylobacter on Sept. 7.

Multiple laboratory samples must test negative before sales can resume.

Symptoms of campylobacterosis include fever, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea and can appear in one to seven days.