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WSDA completes investigation of Dee Creek Farm
Unlicensed dairy operation linked to E. coli outbreak in Vancouver/Portland area

VANCOUVER, WA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) today released the results of the agency’s investigation of Dee Creek Farm, including laboratory analysis that conclusively links the unlicensed dairy’s raw milk to the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened at least 18 people in Washington and Oregon.

On Dec. 12, WSDA was notified by the Washington State Department of Health of an E. coli outbreak that Clark and Cowlitz county public health officials believed may have been caused by the consumption of Dee Creek’s unpasteurized milk. On Dec. 13, 15 and 16, WSDA inspectors visited Dee Creek Farm to observe the milking process. Inspectors took milk samples, water samples and swabs from each cow, as well as environmental samples from the farm animal surroundings and the milking area in the barn. Clark County Health Department also provided WSDA with samples of Dee Creek milk.

The milk, water and environmental samples were sent to WSDA’s microbiology lab in Olympia, the field disease investigation unit lab at WSU-Pullman and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lab in Bothell, Washington. Seven samples taken from Dee Creek milk and environmental swabs from the milking area of the barn were found to contain E. coli O157:H7. These seven samples were then DNA cross-matched with the human illness case samples at the Washington State Public Health Lab and determined to be the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 with no discernable differences.

E. coli O157:H7 is a virulent strain of bacteria that may live inside a cow without any outward signs of illness. The bacteria can be transmitted intermittently in the animal’s milk and feces to cause serious illness in human beings.

Based on the test results, the WSDA has conclusively determined that Dee Creek Farm is the source of the E. coli outbreak. A more detailed summary of the WSDA report can be found at www.agr.wa.gov/foodanimal/dairy .

Now that WSDA has completed its investigation, the agency will determine what civil penalties or other actions the agency will take against the farm. Since the E. coli outbreak, Dee Creek Farm has been under a cease and desist order issued by the Cowlitz County Public Heath Department that prohibits the dairy from distributing milk products.

“WSDA’s program to conduct oversight and licensing of dairies was established to prevent this very kind of public health crisis,” said Jerry Buendel, WSDA assistant director for Food Safety and Consumer Services. “We are willing to work with any dairy to educate them about proper sanitation and let them know what improvements they may need to make to get licensed. We want all dairy operators to market safe products.”

“We are pleased that the cooperation between agencies on a local, state, and federal level enabled us to quickly identify the source of the outbreak and prevent more people from becoming ill,” said Dr. Mimi Fields, Cowlitz County health officer.

“Fortunately, every individual who developed E. coli infection in this outbreak is recovering or has recovered,” said Clark County Health Officer Dr. Justin Denny. “Because E. coli is a potentially life-threatening illness, we urge people to consume only juices and dairy products that have been pasteurized.”

On Aug. 11, 2005, WSDA sent Dee Creek Farm of Woodland, Washington, a warning letter and license application after department officials read a news report that the dairy was distributing raw milk. The agency informed the small dairy that unlicensed sale of raw milk is illegal, including milk distributed through a cow share arrangement. Dee Creek responded to WSDA by denying that they were selling milk, but expressed interest in becoming licensed.

The department has specific sanitation requirements for dairies that apply for a license. Dairies must have running water, a hand-washing sink and an impervious floor in the milking area. Other livestock and poultry must not enter the milking area. Regulations also govern the handling and bottling of milk and require animal health testing. Dee Creek Farm failed to comply with many of these requirements at the time of the WSDA investigation.

Six dairies that sell raw milk are currently licensed in Washington. To be sold legally in this state, all unpasteurized milk must have a warning label that includes the statement that it is a “potentially hazardous product.

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