Listeria has been found in a sampling of raw milk from Jerseydale Farms near Brookings, S.D., according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA). The agency is warning consumers to discard raw milk recently purchased from this farm as it could contain Listeria, a bacteria that causes serious, sometimes life-threatening illness.
Those most at risk for Listeria infection, called listeriosis, are pregnant women, young children, seniors and individuals with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. A person with listeriosis may have a headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. Confusion, loss of balance or convulsions can also occur.
Rules governing the sale of raw milk vary from state to state. In South Dakota, dairies selling raw milk directly to customers are required to have permits, to be inspected at least once annually and to submit monthly samples for testing.
Raw milk from this dairy is sold in the Brookings County area. Brookings County is on the mideast side of state and borders Minnesota.
