Public health officials are investigating the deaths of two cats in Los Angeles County after they were fed raw milk that had been recalled.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is investigating possible cases of H5 bird flu because the indoor cats developed morbid symptoms including loss of appetite, fever and neurological symptoms before dying.
They both consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm LLC. The company had launched a voluntary recall for certain raw milk products on December 3.
According to health officials, they also tested positive for influenza A, a rare result in cats.
People who had direct contact with the cats are monitoring for symptoms and have been given antiviral prophylaxis. There have been no known cases of bird flu in humans linked to exposure to these cats.
“The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a domestic cat that consumed raw milk reminds us that consuming raw dairy products can lead to serious illness in cats,” said Dr. Barbara. Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Cats can be exposed to the H5 bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals, being in an environment contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows, the department said.
Public Health strongly encourages residents to avoid consuming raw milk or feeding it to their pets, including frozen raw milk products, as freezing does not eliminate harmful germs that can cause illness.
Symptoms of an H5 bird flu infection in humans include redness or discharge of the eyes, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and fever.
