Avian Flu Suspected in Cats After Drinking Raw Milk, Virus Kills Zoo Animals in Arizona
Avian Flu Spreads: Cats Die After Drinking Recalled raw Milk, Zoo Animals Infected
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Los Angeles, CA – Concerns about the spread of avian flu are mounting after two pet cats in Los Angeles County died after consuming recalled raw milk, and a zoo in Arizona reported several animal deaths linked to the virus. These incidents come as the USDA confirms more outbreaks in dairy cattle, poultry, and rising detections in wild birds across the country.
Cats Die After Drinking Recalled Raw Milk
In a statement released today, the Los Angeles county Department of Health announced the suspected H5 avian flu cases in two indoor cats. The felines developed symptoms, including appetite loss, fever, and neurological signs, after drinking milk from raw Farms, which was recently recalled due to positive avian flu tests.Both cats succumbed to their illnesses.
“these cases are a reminder that the virus can cause severe disease in cats,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, LA County public health director. “To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.”
Officials are monitoring people exposed to the sick cats and have offered them antiviral prophylaxis.
Cheetah, Mountain Lion Among Zoo Animal Deaths
Maricopa County officials announced yesterday that they are working with state and federal partners to respond to an avian flu outbreak at the wildlife World Zoo near Phoenix. Tests conducted by the Arizona Department of Agriculture showed likely positive results for H5N1 in several animals.
The zoo has isolated infected or possibly infected animals and implemented enhanced biosafety protocols. Media reports indicate that the outbreak has claimed the lives of a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamp hen, an Indian goose, and a kookaburra. A white tiger infected with the virus appears to be responding well to treatment.
“While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, president of the zoo.
More Detections in Cows, Poultry, Wild Birds
The USDA’s animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 58 more avian flu detections in dairy cattle, all in California, bringing the state’s total to 617 and the national total to 832 across 16 states. The outbreaks in California, the nation’s leading dairy producer, have now affected nearly half of the state’s roughly 1,300 dairy farms.
APHIS also confirmed new outbreaks in poultry in Iowa, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
Meanwhile, Louisiana and Missouri are reporting rising numbers of avian flu in wild birds, urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to keep pets away from them.
Avian FluS Reach Extends to House Cats and Zoo Animals, Raising Concerns
Los Angeles, CA – The avian flu threat is intensifying with unsettling reports of infections spreading beyond poultry farms and into unexpected territory. Two pet cats in Los Angeles County tragically succumbed to the virus after consuming recalled raw milk, while a zoo in Arizona reported several animal deaths linked to avian flu. These occurrences coincide with the USDA confirming a growing number of outbreaks in dairy cattle, poultry, and a surge in detections among wild birds across the nation.
The Los Angeles County Department of health issued a statement confirming suspected H5 avian flu cases in two indoor cats, both of which displayed symptoms including appetite loss, fever, and neurological issues after consuming milk from Raw Farms, recently recalled due to positive avian flu tests. Both felines ultimately died from the illness.
“These cases serve as a stark reminder that the virus can inflict severe disease in cats,” emphasized Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, med, LA County public health director. “To mitigate the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly urge residents and their pets to refrain from consuming raw dairy products and undercooked meat, minimize contact with sick or deceased animals, prompt reporting of sick or dead birds, and keep pets and poultry separated from wild animals and birds.”
Health officials are monitoring individuals who came into contact with the infected cats and have offered them antiviral prophylaxis.
Meanwhile, Maricopa County officials are collaborating with state and federal partners to address an avian flu outbreak at the Wildlife World Zoo near Phoenix. Preliminary test results from the Arizona Department of Agriculture indicate the presence of H5N1 in several animals.
The zoo has implemented isolation procedures for infected or potentially infected animals and has reinforced its biosafety protocols. Media reports reveal that the outbreak has tragically claimed the lives of a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamp hen, an Indian goose, and a kookaburra. Though, a white tiger infected with the virus appears to be responding favorably to treatment.
“While we deeply grieve the loss of several cherished animals, we are thankful that the impact remained relatively limited due to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” stated Kristy Hayden, president of the zoo.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed an additional 58 avian flu detections in dairy cattle, all concentrated in California, bringing the state’s total to 617 and the national count to 832 across 16 states. The outbreaks in California,the nation’s leading dairy producer,have now affected nearly half of its roughly 1,300 dairy farms.
APHIS also confirmed new outbreaks in poultry in Iowa, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
Concurrently, Louisiana and Missouri are reporting a surge in avian flu detections among wild birds, urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to maintain distance between their pets and these avian species.