Selected Bacterial Zoonoses Transmitted by Raw Milk

Raw milk, that has not been heat-treated, can be an important source of pathogenic microorganisms transmitted via the food route, mainly such as: pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, bacteria of the genus Salmonella, some fecal streptococci or Listeria monocyto­genes. The most dangerous of the pathogens associated with raw milk is VTEC E. coli, which produces verocytotoxins – especially the O157:H7 strain. Enterococcus spp. is a frequent factor of bovine mastitis and therefore is often found in raw milk, thus posing a risk to consumers. Consuming raw milk is a good choice as long as we have a guarantee of a high level of hygienic sourcing.