I am compelled to respond to the recent articles against raw milk. As one of the few commercial dairy farmers left in the state and a supporter of raw milk it is disturbing to me the amount of misinformation published on this issue. Despite the rampant myth that bovine TB can be passed to humans through contaminated milk, research studies have repeatedly failed to find conclusive evidence that this is true. The USDA has certified 48 states (including WV) as being completely free of bovine TB. If the cows aren't infected they simply cannot contaminate the milk. So why is TB even being mentioned except as a fear tactic? The truth is that raw milk does pose a very, very small health risk. An independent analysis of CDC data shows raw milk drinkers have a 1 in 6 million chance of requiring hospitalization due to a disease contracted from raw milk. In comparison, the DOT says the odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 8000. I can find no validity in any argument I have yet read against legalizing raw milk. The health risks of raw milk are small, and are much less than many foods/activities it would never cross peoples' minds to ban. The health benefits (proven by research and by anecdotal testimony) outweigh any risk.  Legalizing raw milk would not harm any existing commercial dairies. It would be a huge benefit to dairies like mine, who stand behind the quality of our milk and would be delighted to share it with individuals who cannot buy their own cow. To my mind, it boils down to a freedom of choice. Let it be up to the people whether they consume raw milk. Give the people of WV the same right to choose that the majority of other Americans already enjoy.

Ernie Fazenbaker
Windy Ridge Dairy