Wisconsin veterinary group opposes bill to allow raw milk sales

Madison, Wis.

-- The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) is taking a stand against a proposed state law that would allow the sale of raw milk, citing public health concerns.

The "Raw Milk Bill" under consideration by state leaders would allow farmers to sell raw milk directly from the farm. WVMA opposes the bill because of the potential for contamination by several types of harmful bacteria including E. coli, Listeria and Coxiella.

"It is the opinion of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association that only pasteurized milk and milk products should be sold for human consumption," WVMA says. "The simple, yet vitally important, process of pasteurization kills bacteria and makes milk safe, protecting both public health and consumer confidence in dairy products."

Senate Bill 434 was introduced Dec. 21 and immediately referred to the Wisconsin Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education.