Raw Milk from Fresno County Dairy Linked to Cat Deaths from Bird Flu in Los Angeles County
Source: DairyNews.today
Raw milk from a Fresno County dairy is suspected in the deaths of two cats in Los Angeles County, health officials reported on Thursday. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating the possible connection between the two cases of H5 avian influenza in cats that consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, California's largest producer of raw milk and other dairy products.
The affected indoor cats, which drank the recalled milk and cream, began showing symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, and neurological issues before their deaths. The cats died after a rapid deterioration of their condition, and subsequent tests confirmed they were positive for Influenza A, a rare outcome for felines.
Although transmission of bird flu to cats is uncommon, scientists acknowledge that cats can become infected through exposure to wild birds carrying the virus or by consuming contaminated raw milk. Since 2022, at least 53 domestic cats across the U.S. have tested positive for the virus, with one case detected on December 3 in Tulare County, a major dairy-producing region in California.
The statewide dairy industry is significantly affected, with about half of California's 1,100 dairies, including Raw Farm, reporting outbreaks. While the cases in Los Angeles County are still considered "suspected" pending further testing, health officials have emphasized that no human cases of bird flu have been linked to exposure fr om the infected cats.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated that although the risk of H5 bird flu remains low in the county, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with consuming raw dairy products. She urged residents to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat, lim it contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets and poultry away from wild animals and birds.
Although transmission of bird flu to cats is uncommon, scientists acknowledge that cats can become infected through exposure to wild birds carrying the virus or by consuming contaminated raw milk. Since 2022, at least 53 domestic cats across the U.S. have tested positive for the virus, with one case detected on December 3 in Tulare County, a major dairy-producing region in California.
The statewide dairy industry is significantly affected, with about half of California's 1,100 dairies, including Raw Farm, reporting outbreaks. While the cases in Los Angeles County are still considered "suspected" pending further testing, health officials have emphasized that no human cases of bird flu have been linked to exposure fr om the infected cats.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated that although the risk of H5 bird flu remains low in the county, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with consuming raw dairy products. She urged residents to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat, lim it contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets and poultry away from wild animals and birds.
