The idea that there is “pus” floating around in cow’s milk is an urban legend that continues to resurface on the Internet, as overblown and gory as ever. This is a particularly nasty urban legend perpetuated by groups such as Mercy for Animals (MFA), PeTA, the Animal Liberation Front, and others – To quote MFA: “There is pus in your milk. And the U.S. has more pus in its milk than anyplace else in the world.” Yuck! But as badly as these groups want to gross you out of drinking milk, repeating something over and over again doesn’t make it true.
When you hear sweeping claims about the way animals are treated or mistreated, cared for, or abused, it is important to consider the source of that information before reaching your own conclusion. You need to find out what’s behind the claim. Is it aimed at getting you to buy a product or a service, make a donation, empower a movement, or get your vote? Unfortunately, when claims are made, facts are often omitted or twisted. This leads to confusion, muddled policy, and stalled progress in advancing knowledge. It also harms the animals and the people who care for them.