North Dakota

North Dakota raw milk producers cautious as federal authorities raise concerns

Published

8 months ago

May 5, 2024

North Dakota raw milk producers cautious as federal authorities raise concerns

BISMARCK — Raw milk from North Dakota dairy cows carries a low risk of avian flu contamination, local producers say, but they are still increasing precautions.

The so-called bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in nine other states,

including South Dakota,

and the Food and Drug Administration has advised against drinking raw milk.

This issue comes less than a year since

the North Dakota Legislature lifted a rule against selling raw milk in the state,

though sales can only be at the direct consumer level, not to wholesale or retail outlets or across state lines.

There are currently about two dozen raw milk producers in the state.

One is Peter Bartlett of Bartlett Farms, Bottineau, who said he received a cautionary notice from the North Dakota Milk Producers Association. The notice advised caution when buying cows and to keep a close watch for illness in the herd. He said customers are not deterred.

“A pasture-based farm that’s not confining its animals in more close confinement like a conventional dairy would be a lot less susceptible,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett said he already follows three levels of safety protocols to ensure the health of his cows.

Since the restrictions were eased on sales of raw milk last year, Bartlett has seen a steady and growing interest from consumers.

“In the past six months, we seem to have had almost twice as many inquiries about milk,” he said. “So that’s a good sign. I think that now that the law passed, people look at it as a valid option.”

Ty Petersen of Bev’s Best Dairy, Monango, agrees that larger dairy farms with confined cows are more at risk from transmission and that smaller operators have a better grip on the health of individual animals.

He said he isn’t greatly concerned about avian influenza infecting his cows.

“Just being a fussy producer helps a lot, that’s a big part of it, and you know just being around them cows all day you notice stuff lickety split.”

Ava Brokaw of Brokaw Ranch, Kulm, said she is very meticulous about the cleanliness of her cows and quality of her raw milk.

“If I question anything, I dump it,” she said. “I would never sell anything where I questioned whether my cow was sick or not.”

Brokaw said she’s had “a ton of people reach out” since the restrictions were lifted, and people should do their research on whatever it is they are consuming.

“I’ve got kids and I want to make sure that everything that I’m giving them is good, you know, so I read up on the risks on it,” Brokaw said. “But for us, we’ve had more problems with store-bought milk than raw milk.”

North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture regulates production of pasteurized milk, but not raw milk.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services can only offer guidance, according to Heather Steffl, communications manager of the Public Health Division.

“Pasteurization is the safest choice,” Steffl wrote in response to an inquiry from the North Dakota News Co-op.

State veterinarian Ethan Andress said consuming raw milk has “inherent risks” aside from the possible transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

“There are organisms that contaminate raw milk that have the potential to cause people to get sick and occasionally die.” He said it’s the same risk for all raw food, from oysters to meat.

Andress advised raw milk producers to minimize contact with wild birds and to ensure feed is protected from exposure to wild birds because it is hard to know if they are infected.

Milk production is a key indicator of a cow’s health. “The most common sign (of illness) is a drop in milk production,” Andress said.

But even with precautions, some infected cows may not show signs of sickness.

“I think the most frustrating part of this is the asymptomatic part, that some of these cows have an infection but aren’t getting sick,” Andress said. “Just like people when we get influenza, you have varying levels of how bad people get sick and the same thing occurs in cows.”

The closest the avian influenza virus H5N1 has been found in dairy cows is in South Dakota. Other states where it was detected are Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

There have been no cases of avian influenza detected in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Most cases from 2023 occurred in the fall.

Transmission risks still undetermined

Federal officials believe the virus is spreading among cows due to contact with milk from other infected cows but that further testing is needed.

It is also unknown if humans can contract the virus through consuming raw milk from infected cows.

Pasteurization of milk inactivates the virus, according to the FDA. The agency has tested commercially produced pasteurized milk and other dairy products in 38 states and found no live, infectious virus in pasteurized milk.

A recent study published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that cats that consumed raw milk from avian influenza-infected cows became sick and some died.

Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, told NDNC that while “we don’t know if people can get H5N1 from drinking raw milk,” due to the high levels of viral loads, “it’s very much a possibility.”

Animals such as cats, dogs, and bears that eat dead birds have gotten diseased, and some died, from that consumption, Rasmussen said.

An FDA statement from May 1 said the agency is continuing to test samples of pooled raw milk routed to pasteurization and processing for commercial use. The FDA “advises strongly” against consuming raw milk and recommends the industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk products.

The FDA has also recommended that precautions be taken when discarding milk from infected cows so it does not become a source of further spread.

This story was originally published on NewsCoopND.org

______________________________________________________

This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here.

Source link

Click to comment

North Dakota

Sports Spotlight: Ben DeForest

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Bismarck High Wrestlers win a lot of titles.

“We’re striving for a state championship, that’s where the bar is set,” said Bismarck High Wrestling head coach Mark Lardy.

Three of said titles belong to the top-ranked 133-pound wrestler in North Dakota, Ben DeForest.

Now, Ben’s going for number four.

“It would mean everything to me,” said Ben DeForest. “There have been some great wrestlers from BHS that have been four-timers it would just mean a lot for me to add my name to that list.”

”He led a lot by example in the past,” said Lardy. “Now he leads not only by example but his voice in the room is heard.“

Even when his BHS days are over, Ben has another chapter to write in his story: He’s committed to Wrestle at UMary.

“We pride ourselves on trying to keep and retain as many local North Dakota kids here at U-Mary and we’re just very thankful that Ben chose to come here and wrestle for us as well,” said U-Mary Wrestling head coach Adam Aho.

The state champ has a bigger goal in mind.

“His goal is way beyond what our room is going to give him. This is just a stepping stone,” said Lardy.

Ben wants a national championship.

“We need every guy to have that type of mentality,” said Aho. “Without it, we will never be relevant on the national scene.”

”Once you get your hand raised you realize, all those morning practices you didn’t want to go to and all those lifts that you were like, uh I don’t know, it’s worth it. It’s worth it,” said DeForest.

Source link

North Dakota

My Heartfelt Christmas Wish To You North Dakota

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

My Heartfelt Christmas Wish To You North Dakota.

Not a “catchy-clicky” title and I doubt many of my listeners or readers will probably even read this article.

However, I wanted to share something with you that is on my heart. This is so not me, as I’m more the guy who writes about “North Dakota’s 10 most quirky this and that”.

It’s not that I’m not a sensitive guy, because when I was growing up, I was probably too sensitive. I would avoid sad movies, songs, or anything that would spark too much of an emotion.

Yes, you could say my heart has become a bit jaded and cold over the years. It’s not something I’m proud of but more of a defense mechanism.

2024 has probably been one of the most challenging years for my family.

From losing loved ones to family issues to health issues to very challenging financial times, it’s been one of those years where you just can’t catch a break. I’m sure many of you can relate.

As we were attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service last night a young child caught my eye.

She was a cute little toddler who was starting to act up. Something I remember oh so well at church with my little now 20-year-old son.

As her father took her outside the sanctuary to attend to her, I couldn’t help but notice this child’s extremely unfair situation. She had a disability at a year or so old, that none of us could ever imagine. It broke my heart.

This poor child and her family no doubt have a long road ahead of them. As we lit our candles later in the service, I caught the wonder in her eyes, and it couldn’t help but melt my cold heart at the time.

She was perfect and I found myself saying a prayer for this little blonde girl with curly locks and her family.

Her situation also reminded me that I should be thankful for what I have and not what I don’t this Christmas. This is my Christmas wish for you North Dakota, that you will realize the same thing.

Be thankful for who you have around the tree today, not what’s under it.

Merry Christmas to all my listeners and readers. I hope at least a few of you get to read this and it will touch you the same way this little girl touched me on Christmas Eve.

LOOK: Popular Dinners Americans Don’t Make as Often Anymore

From classic casseroles to heaping helpings of beige-on-beige, these beloved American dinner dishes have fallen out of the mealtime rotation.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

The 11 Best Gooey Caramel Rolls You Will Find In North Dakota

Source link

North Dakota

Could a Bismarck woman become North Dakota's 1st saint?

Published

22 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Could a Bismarck woman become North Dakota's 1st saint?

BISMARCK — Christmas Day marks the ninth anniversary of 31-year-old Michelle Duppong’s death. While her family and friends will feel her absence on this day, they also feel the love, kindness and faith she demonstrated during her short life, along with abundant hope that she not only shared while alive but continues to share in death, which is one of the reasons she is slated to become the first person from North Dakota to become a Catholic saint.

Michelle Duppong

Contributed

In June 2022, Bismarck Bishop David D. Kagan announced the opening of a diocesan investigation into Duppong’s “holiness of life and love for God,” officially starting the long and arduous process of canonization to a saint. On Nov. 1, 2022, Kagan deemed Duppong a servant of god.

Duppong is on track to be the first North Dakotan and one of few around the world to be canonized, said Father Tom Grafsgaard, of Hazen, North Dakota. According to Catholic publications, only 11 people from the U.S. have become canonized saints.

“It’s never happened in the history of North Dakota in either (the Bismarck or Fargo) Diocese,” Grafsgaard said. “It’s quite exceedingly rare for this to be happening.”

In the process of canonization, the Catholic Church declares people “saints.” There are three paths to sainthood: to have died as a martyr for Catholicism; if one lived an expression of love and died a rather quick and unexpected death; or if they gave a heroic example of living all the Christian virtues.

The process of canonization is governed by a strict canonical or juridical procedure established by St. John Paul II in 1983.

After Kagan began the process, Duppong’s cause entered the diocesan phase of investigation into her life. The Michelle Duppong Guild was created — a group tasked with promoting an awareness of her life. Officials are poring over Duppong’s writings, work, demonstrations of faith and the great number of lives she touched while alive, which are illustrated through interviews with those who knew her, Grafsgaard said.

Her case will be built up and eventually sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints in Rome for the Roman Phase of canonization. A Vatican panel will also investigate and determine if Duppong lived a heroically virtuous life. The Dicastery can then issue a “decree of heroic virtue” in which Duppong would be given the new title of “Venerable Servant of God.”

The third step, beatification, then begins. During this phase, it must be proven that one miracle has been granted by God through Duppong’s intercession. If the Pope declares a true miracle occurred, then Duppong would be declared “Blessed.” Last, a ceremony of canonization would take place where the church declares her a Saint in heaven with God.

“The process is very long,” Grafsgaard said. “I often say, ‘It takes as long as it takes.’ ”

Michelle Duppong overlooking Jerusalem-2013.jpg — Michelle Duppong overlooking Jerusalem in 2013.

Michelle Christine Duppong was born Jan. 25, 1984, the fourth of six children to parents Ken and Mary Ann Duppong. She grew up on the family farm in Haymarsh, North Dakota, where her parents said she loved to help with chores, including caring for sheep but especially gardening, mowing, pruning, weeding, harvesting and canning, according to her mother.

Duppong was named valedictorian and president of her senior class and later attended North Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in horticulture.

After earning her degree, she became a FOCUS missionary at four college campuses, including the inaugural year at the University of Mary, mentoring college students to draw them deeper into the faith. FOCUS is an apostolate dedicated to evangelizing college and university students.

In 2012, she became the director of faith formation for the Bismarck Diocese, where she led parish missions, launched a podcast and spearheaded a three-day Eucharistic conference that drew thousands to the Bismarck Civic Center in 2013.

In the fall of 2014, Duppong was experiencing sharp abdominal pains that doctors initially thought were ovarian cysts, a common but painful issue for women that will sometimes dissolve and go away without major medical treatment. But by December, the pain was unrelenting, and an outpatient surgery was scheduled that month to remove the cysts.

According to Mary Ann Duppong, surgeons were “shocked to find” Michelle Duppong’s abdomen was “full of stage four cancer.”

Doctors expected the young woman to die within months, and hospice care was recommended.

“Michelle was not one to blame anyone for anything,” Mary Ann Duppong said. “Her attitude was, ‘If God wants me to go through this, I will go through this.’ “

Despite the diagnosis, Michelle Duppong continued her life for nearly a full year.

According to the website that outlines the canonization process for Michelle Duppong and its status, she told one of the sisters providing hospice care that she believed she would pass on Christmas Day. Michelle Duppong died at 11:23 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2015.

Shortly after Bishop Kagan initiated the process for Michelle Duppong’s canonization, U.S. bishops affirmed their support for the cause’s advancement.

In this first stage, the primary focus is to raise awareness of Michelle Duppong and the push for her sainthood by spreading as much information about her and her life as possible, which is done through the creation of a guild and much of which can be found at

www.michelleduppongcause.org.

Michelle Duppong2.jpg — An undated photo of Michelle Duppong at the Duppong farm.

In January, a FOCUS-produced documentary titled “Thirst for Souls: The Michelle Duppong Story,” was screened at a FOCUS convention in St. Louis. Afterward, Michelle Duppong’s parents were inundated for hours with comments about how much the movie and Michelle had influenced viewers.

While one cannot necessarily predict when or if Michelle Duppong will become a saint, Grafsgaard said a bishop must believe canonization is likely to begin the process.

“For a bishop to initiate a cause, there should be a well-founded hope for its success,” he said. “There certainly was reputation in her life, and she continues to have it in her death.”

Source link