Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Campylobacter,cryptosporidium,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Raw Milk on June 24, 2026
At least 11 people are linked to a raw milk outbreak in Louisiana. Two people have been hospitalized after consuming raw milk.
The Louisiana Department of Health reports illnesses involving Campylobacter bacteria and Cryptosporidium parasite infections in people who reported drinking raw milk. An investigation is underway.
Is raw milk legal in Louisiana? Why is raw milk dangerous? What exactly is Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium? What should you do if you get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about the raw milk outbreak in Louisiana!
The Louisiana Department of Health says that 11 people, including two hospitalizations, have been reported in people indicating that they consumed raw milk prior to becoming sick. No deaths have been reported. As most cases of foodborne illness go unreported, there are likely additional cases not yet linked to the outbreak.
This cluster of illnesses prompted a press release “encouraging residents to be aware of potential health risks associated with raw milk.”
These illnesses have been reported as early as April 23, 2026. Outbreak patients have tested positive for campylobacteriosis and/or cryptosporidiosis.
Those who became ill reported consuming raw milk from three different milking operations in Louisiana prior to becoming sick.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, under Louisiana law, “raw milk may only be sold or distributed for animal or pet consumption.” As such, the state does not regulate the production of raw milk or products made from raw milk.
According to Louisiana state HB247, the law managing the sale of raw milk, the unpasteurized dairy product is meant “for animal feed only.” The only required testing for raw milk is for Salmonella bacteria.
In some cases, people have gotten around the issue by participating in what is known as a herd share. Someone “owns a cow” that is maintained on a dairy operation’s property. In exchange for paying for the cow’s lodging, food, and maintenance, the owners receive the milk.
There is currently no law regarding consuming raw milk from a cow that you own.
It is unclear whether the outbreak patients participated in this type of herd share, consumed raw milk packaged and intended for animal use, or became sick after handling the animal feed used to feed their pets or livestock.
Raw milk is a term used for milk that has not been pasteurized. It has not undergone heat treatment through a process that kills potential illness-causing germs often associated with dairy products.
It isn’t limited to cow milk. The term also applies to milk from sheep, goats and other lactating exotic animals.
Since the mainstream application of pasteurization, the number of milk-related outbreaks has decreased from 25% to only 1%. With 70% of those outbreaks involving raw milk.
Raw milk is risky because without the heat treatment of pasteurization, potential germs found on dairy farms can make their way into the milk and sicken the consumer.
Germs like Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium. Those impacting outbreak patients. As well as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella which can cause human illness.
Campylobacter infections, known as campylobacteriosis, often present diarrheal symptoms. In addition to diarrhea (often bloody), fever, headache, and stomach cramps often occur. Some may also experience nausea and vomiting. Campylobacter symptoms generally begin around 2 to 5 days after exposure and last about a week.
Campylobacteriosis can be very serious, particularly in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system. In fact, Campylobacter can occasionally spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body in people with a weakened immune system and those with a blood disorder. People with AIDS or receiving chemotherapy are also more vulnerable to these types of life-threatening infections.
While most people can recover on their own without medical intervention, some may experience illnesses that are serious enough to require hospitalization. Other long-term complications include irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and even temporary paralysis.
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite responsible for the diarrheal disease known as cryptosporidiosis, though most people just refer to both the parasite and the disease as “Crypto.”
This parasite is extremely heartly. While it lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals, it also has a protective “outer shell” that allows it to live a long time outside of the body and even tolerant to chlorine disinfection.
In some cases, certain people with Crypto infection have no symptoms at all. They may still shed the parasite and have the potential to infect others, without these symptoms.
When symptomatic, the most common symptom associated with Crypto infection is watery diarrhea. This symptom is what generally prompts healthcare providers to test for the parasite.
Other symptoms include:
Most people begin to feel sick between 2 and 10 days after exposure with an average of about 7 days in most cases. These symptoms often persist for about 1 to 2 weeks, though they may last for 4 or more weeks.
Occasionally people will experience several relapses of symptoms. They will begin to feel better, and symptoms resolve, only for them to return and leave again for a few cycle. This can last for up to a month or more.
In cases of immunocompromised patients, the Crypto infection can leave the small intestine and digestive tract completely, affecting other parts of the body – including the respiratory tract.
If you become sick after handling raw milk, there are a few things you can do to improve your condition.
If you are experiencing serious illness, seek medical help right away. Complications of campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis can go from bad to worse quickly. Some people may need fluids and monitoring if they are unable to replace the fluids leaving their body.
The Louisiana Department of Health indicates that individuals who wish to report an illness, you can do so online. You will find your regional Louisiana Department of Health epidemiologist at ldh.la.gov/bureau-of-infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-epidemiology.
Both campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis involve diarrhea and/or vomiting. Both symptoms remove important liquid from your body. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, get electrolytes back into your system, and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages until you feel better.
If you have become sick after handling raw milk, you may want to get advice from a Raw Milk Lawyer. While raw milk is not legal to consume in the state of Louisiana, if you became sick after handling raw milk for your pet, you may have a legal case. Reach out to a Raw Milk Lawyer for more information.
If you or a family member has become sick in this raw milk outbreak in Louisiana after handling raw milk for your pet, an experienced Raw Milk Lawyer can help! They can answer questions, investigate your illness, and file a claim to recover the financial burden associated with your illness.
They know the questions to ask, the information to obtain, and how to build your case. Their compassionate team will help you through this unfortunate situation and get you the justice you deserve.
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!