Cats Die from H5N1 Bird Flu After Consuming Recalled Raw Milk from Raw Farm LLC

Dec 12, 2024, 08:57 PM

Los Angeles County health officials are investigating the deaths of two cats that consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm LLC, which tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus. The cats developed symptoms including loss of appetite, fever, and neurological signs before succumbing to their illness. Both animals tested positive for Influenza A, a rare occurrence in cats. This incident adds to concerns about the spread of avian influenza to other animals, including zoo animals in Arizona's Maricopa County, where several species have died from the virus. The USDA has confirmed additional outbreaks in dairy cattle in California and poultry flocks in multiple states, with the virus also detected in wild birds in Louisiana and Missouri. Public health officials are monitoring individuals who had direct contact with the infected cats, offering antiviral prophylaxis as a precaution. The risk to the general public remains low, but officials urge residents to avoid raw dairy products and limit contact with sick or dead animals.