Health Groups: Raw Milk Threatens Children and Public Health in Wisconsin

CONTACT: Bob Mackle, Media Relations Manager, Marshfield Clinic, 715-387-5250, 520-288-3001 (cell), mackle.robert@marshfieldclinic.org

On behalf of Wisconsin health systems, physicians, veterinarians and the public health community, we write to strongly oppose any action by the Wisconsin Legislature this session that legalizes the sale of raw milk. We are gravely concerned that widespread raw milk consumption would harm the health of young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. These groups face the greatest risk of acquiring life threatening illnesses from unpasteurized milk. Ample scientific evidence has shown raw milk as the source of food borne illnesses. Of 121 reports nationwide to the Centers for Disease Control through March 2012, 60% involved non-pasteurized products resulting in 1,571 cases, 202 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. The vast majority (75%) of these outbreaks occurred in the 21 states which permit the sale of non-pasteurized products. Any death from raw milk is preventable, and even one child who requires kidney dialysis due to a raw milk infection is one child too many. There is no scientific or health benefit justification for allowing the sale of raw milk. The sale of raw milk is a threat to the health and safety of our children, the elderly and our communities. Please tell your legislators to put public health first and say no to raw milk sales.

Robert Phillips, MD

Medical Director, Government Relations, Marshfield Clinic

Tim Bartholow, MD

Chief Medical Officer, Wisconsin Medical Society

Ken Schellhase, MD, MPH

Legislative Chair – Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians

Director, Division of Research, Family & Community Medicine at MCW

Muriel Nagle, RN, MSN

President – WI Public Health Association

University Health Services – Director of Prevention Services and Campus Health Initiatives

Linda Conlon, RN, MPH

Co-President – WI Association of Local Health Departments and Boards