Harmful bacteria found in raw milk at SD business

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Agriculture Department reports that harmful bacteria have been found in a sampling of unpasteurized milk from Black Hills Milk in Belle Fourche.

Officials say raw milk purchased recently from the business should be returned or thrown out because it may contain harmful bacteria that can lead to campylobacter infection.

Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. An infection can sometimes progress to more serious illnesses, such as kidney failure and other complications.

The raw milk is sold at a Spearfish retail outlet, the Black Hills Farmers Market at Founder's Park in Rapid City, and at other Black Hills locations.

Pasteurized milk is unlikely to contain illness-causing bacteria.

The Agriculture Department requires producers selling raw milk to have state permits and be inspected.