United States: Conservative advocate Charlie Kirk’s group, Turning Point USA, is promoting raw milk consumption during a major flu outbreak despite potential fatal consequences.
This is one of several actions by right-wing groups and media pundits following FDA warnings against raw milk due to the rampant spread of H5N1 bird flu among cattle.
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Turning Point USA is even encouraging supporters to wear T-shirts with the slogan ‘Got raw milk?’
The FDA has clearly stated there are no benefits to consuming raw milk over pasteurized milk. It explained that raw milk wasn’t safe for consumption even before the flu and is linked to several diseases like tuberculosis, as reported by DailyKos.com.

Experiments have shown that raw milk can transmit the H5N1 flu virus to lab animals. In one case, cats died after consuming milk from infected cows. Drinking raw milk is never safe, and it’s especially dangerous now due to the spread of diseases.
Widespread Infection in the US
The avian flu, or H5N1 flu, has affected at least 12 states, with dairy cattle being infected as the flu spreads easily among domestic and wild birds.
This flu is not only affecting cattle but is also decimating millions of poultry across the country. There are documented cases of at least one dairy worker in Texas becoming infected after handling diseased cattle.
Lethal Subtypes of H5N1
Previous H5N1 subtypes have shown high lethality in humans, with a 56% mortality rate, according to DailyKos.com.
This flu is one of the deadliest diseases people can encounter. For comparison, the fatality rate of COVID-19 was just over 1%, with many deaths occurring during the early phase of the pandemic before vaccines and treatments were available.
H5N1 is even more lethal than smallpox and has the potential to mutate and cause more harm to humans.
CDC Efforts to Limit Spread
Given the severity of the disease, the CDC is working to prevent human-to-human transmission.
Milk from the first infected grocery store tested positive for the flu in April, but pasteurization makes commercial milk safe for drinking. Raw milk remains a significant transmission route alongside contact with infected cows or poultry.
Republican Promotion of Raw Milk
Republicans now appear to be strong proponents of raw milk, a product they previously showed little interest in. Far-right media outlets have been promoting raw milk, and the FDA, which warns against it amid the flu outbreak, is being accused of conspiring with the government and “big milk.”