Cats Die From Suspected Bird Flu After Drinking Raw Milk
Two Los Angeles Cats Die after Drinking Recalled Raw Milk, Raising Concerns About Bird Flu Spread
Los Angeles, CA – Two cats in Los Angeles County have died in what health officials suspect may be the first cases of H5 bird flu transmission to felines through contaminated raw milk. The cats consumed milk from Raw farm LLC, a company currently facing a recall due to potential avian influenza contamination.
The cats exhibited alarming symptoms shortly after consuming the milk, including loss of appetite, fever, and neurological issues. Tragically,both animals succumbed to their illness and tested positive for Influenza A,a rare finding in cats. While awaiting confirmation of H5 bird flu, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is urging caution.
“Even though human cases of bird flu are rare and the risk to residents remains low, this detection of H5 bird flu in cats who consumed raw milk underscores the importance of being proactive about preventing ongoing transmission of the virus,” the LACDPH warned Thursday.
Individuals who came into contact with the sick cats have been offered antiviral medication as a preventative measure.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LACDPH, emphasized the importance of avoiding raw dairy products and undercooked meat to prevent the spread of H5 bird flu and other diseases. “The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in cats,” she stated.
How Cats Can Contract H5 Bird Flu:
Consuming infected birds or other animals
Exposure to environments contaminated with the virus
Consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows
The LACDPH stressed that raw milk can harbor harmful germs, including influenza, posing serious health risks to both humans and pets.
Protecting Yourself and Your Pets:
Health officials recommend the following precautions:
Avoid Raw Dairy and Undercooked Meat: Do not consume raw milk, raw cheeses, or undercooked meat. Do not feed these to your pets.
Limit Contact with Animals: Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals or birds, and any materials contaminated with bird feces.
Report Sick or Dead Birds: Contact your local animal control agency if you see sick or dead birds.
Protect Pets or Poultry: Keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.
Remove Bird Feeders and Baths: Take down bird feeders and communal bird baths to reduce the risk of virus spread.
Get a Seasonal flu Vaccine: People should receive a seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of getting sick with both human and bird flu viruses.
Symptoms of H5 Bird Flu in Humans:
Eye redness or discharge
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Trouble breathing
Fever
Anyone who has consumed recalled raw milk products and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their healthcare provider or local health department.
the LACDPH continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
Feline Deaths spark Concern Over Bird Flu Spread via Contaminated Raw Milk
Los Angeles, CA – Tragedy has struck two Los Angeles County households as their feline companions succumbed to what health officials strongly suspect are teh first cases of H5 bird flu transmission to cats through contaminated raw milk. The culprit? Raw farm LLC, a company grappling with a recall due to potential avian influenza contamination.
Symptoms in the affected cats were swift and severe. Loss of appetite, fever, and neurological distress quickly followed their consumption of the implicated raw milk. Tragically, both succumbed to their illness, with post-mortem tests confirming Influenza A, a rare occurrence in felines. While awaiting confirmation from the CDC of H5 bird flu strain, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is sounding the alarm.
“Even though human cases remain rare and the risk to residents is currently low, this situation underscores the critical need for proactive measures to halt the spread of the virus,” cautioned the LACDPH on Thursday.
Individuals who interacted with the sick cats have been offered antiviral medication as a precautionary measure. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LACDPH, stressed the importance of avoiding raw dairy products and undercooked meat as potent vectors for H5 bird flu and other diseases.
“The risk of H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County remains relatively low, but this suspected case in a pet cat consuming raw milk serves as a stark reminder that raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in our feline companions,” Dr. Ferrer stated.
This incident highlights the potential risks of consuming raw dairy products and emphasizes the importance of following the LACDPH’s guidance to protect both individual and animal health.