Test results of samples taken from the cows, manure, and surfaces of Foundation Farm have tested positive for E. coli 0157. In addition, raw milk from a farm customer has tested positive for the bacteria.
A press release sent to Food Poisoning Bulletin by Christine Stone of the Oregon Public Health stated that rectal swabs from two of four cows, multiple manure samples, and other environmental samples collected at the farm were contaminated with E. coli 0157.
Five children are sick; four of them have been hospitalized, and three have hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure. There may be as many as 18 people sickened in this outbreak; test results are pending.
Oregon Public Health State Epidemiologist Katrina Hedberg, M.D., M.P.H. said, “We continue to warn people to not drink the raw milk or any products made from the raw milk that came from this farm or any other source. Pasteurized milk is the only safe milk because it kills harmful bacteria such as E. coli 0157.”
