State issues alert linked to raw milk infections

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Officials have issued a public health alert regarding illnesses reported by people who consumed raw milk products from a southwest Michigan dairy cooperative.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said Friday there are eight confirmed cases of campylobacter (cam-pil-oh-BAK-ter) in Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Nobody has been hospitalized.

The people reported consuming products from Family Farms' Cooperative in Vandalia, 60 miles south of Grand Rapids. It operates a program in which members own part of a cow and receive raw dairy products.

Family Farms' attorney Stephen Bemis said internal tests don't show a link to the illnesses but the cooperative is working with the state.

Michigan doesn't regulate cow share programs, and products aren't available at retail stores.

Campylobacter causes diarrhea, cramping and fever.