Infections confirmed from raw milk sold in Chambersburg area

CHAMBERSBURG – Six cases of a bacterial infection found in raw milk from a Chambersburg dairy have been confirmed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Consumers who bought milk from The Family Cow store in Chambersburg have reported several illnesses, according to a DOH news release.

Three Pennsylvania residents and three Maryland residents confirmed cases of campylobacteriosis, the release states.

Campylobacteriosis, known as Campy, is an infection that affects the intestinal tract and, in rare cases, the bloodstream, according to a DOH fact sheet.

“People can become infected with campylobacter bacteria if they consume raw or undercooked poultry meat or from consuming food that has been cross contaminated during cooking by these items,” the fact sheet states. “Many outbreaks are associated with unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.”

Symptoms of Campy generally appear two to five days after exposure and include mild or severe diarrhea, often with fever, abdominal cramps and blood in stool, according to the DOH fact sheet.

People infected with Campy usually recover within two to five days, but the illness can last for up to 10 days, the fact sheet states. In rare cases, Campy infections can lead to complications such as Guillian-Barre syndrome, a serious neurological condition, or arthritis.

Most people with Campy will recover on their own; however, for severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase, antibiotics are occasionally used, the DOH fact sheet states.

The farm has voluntarily suspended raw milk production. A formal recall has not been announced, but the department recommends people discard any milk purchased after Jan. 1.

Raw milk from The Family Cow is sold at its dairy at 3854 Olde Scotland Road, as well as various locations across the state including Pure Simple Cafe in Greencastle, Paul’s Country Market in Waynesboro, The Healthy Grocer in Camp Hill and Appalachian Whole Foods Market in Carlisle.

The organic raw milk and the organic cows go through 10 safety tests, including one for campylobacter jejune, where a sample is taken from the final packed bottle, according to The Family Cow’s website.

“At The Family Cow we voluntarily go beyond the state requirement for pathogen testing of raw milk. We do this extra testing for your peace of mind, the safety of your families and out of abundance of caution,” the website states. “When it comes to your family’s safety, it’s not the government’s standards that we are trying to live up to it’s yours. We have faith that you will appreciate our caution, honesty, transparency and forthrightness.”

A representative from The Family Cow could not be reached by presstime.

- The York Daily Record contributed to this report.

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Samantha Cossick can be reached at [email protected] and 262-4762 or follow her on Twitter at @SCossickPO.

Vegetarian, Raw milk and Vegan with Bill & Sheila

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