Consumers should not drink raw milk from Willow Marsh Farm because it may be contaminated with Listeria, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner. The agency issued an alert for the milk, sold by Charles B. Curtiss db Willow Marsh Farm at 343 Hop City Road, Ballston Spa, New York, in Saratoga County.
Raw milk is not pasteurized, meaning it has not been heated to kill dangerous bacteria.
At the time of the alert, no illnesses had been reported. However, symptoms of a Listeria infection can take as long as 70 days to develop.
Willow Marsh Raw Milk Listeria Alert
On March 4, 2025, Agriculture officials told Charles Curtiss that a sample of raw milk he produced tested positive for Listeria. Willow Marsh can’t sell any raw milk until subsequent testing shows the product is free of harmful bacteria.
Symptoms of a Listeria Infection
Symptoms of a Listeria infection include:
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Severe headache
- Muscle weakness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea
Among pregnant women, Listeria can cause miscarriage and stillbirth even if the expectant mother experiences only flu-like symptoms.
