The Boulder County Department of Health has linked 26 Campylobacter and E. coli illnesses to raw goat milk produced by the Billy Goat Dairy in Longmont, Colorado. The dairy operated on a herd-share program, so health investigators are contacting all 43 members of the herd-share to check for illnesses and unused product. At least 2 who were sickened in the outbreak had to be hospitalized.
Unpasteurized dairy products are often called "raw." When dairy products don't go through the pasteurization process, any disease-causing bacteria that might be present remains in the milk. Some believe that healthful bacteria is also removed, and seek out raw dairy products for possible health benefits. More information on the benefits and dangers of raw dairy products can be found at RealRawMilkFacts.com.