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Texas cats die on dairy farm after drinking raw milk contaminated with bird flu, CDC warns

herd of cats texas dairy farm According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a cow died after drinking raw milk from a dairy cow infected with avian influenza.

Feline developed ‘fatal systemic disease’ influenza infection“After drinking unpasteurized colostrum and milk from a cow that tested positive for the virus.

The cats initially showed signs of the disease, including “depression, rigidity of body movements, ataxia (incoordination), blindness, circling and profuse oculo-nasal discharge,” the report said.

Experts reveal whether it’s safe to drink milk amid bird flu outbreak: ‘Indirect concerns’

The feline also showed neurological effects during testing.

About half of the approximately 24 cats fed raw milk from sick cows died between March 19 and 20, according to a report released Monday.

A group of cats (not pictured) died at a Texas dairy farm after drinking raw milk from cows infected with bird flu, according to a CDC report. (St. Petersburg)

Most cats became ill within two to three days after exposure.

The CDC announced that tissue samples from two of the cats that died on March 21 tested positive for the HPAI H5N1 virus.

Under exposure dead wild bird The report states that “it cannot be completely ruled out” as a source of the virus, and that cow’s milk and colostrum are “likely routes of transmission”.

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This is based on the “known ingestion of unpasteurized milk and colostrum from infected cows” and the large amount of “viral nucleic acid” contained in milk.

“The cat’s death suggests that avian influenza can cause disease through ingestion,” said Dr. Edward Liu, director of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. in new jerseysaid in a statement to Fox News Digital.

dairy cat

A Texas feline (not pictured) contracted a “fatal systemic influenza infection” after drinking unpasteurized colostrum and milk from a cow that tested positive for the virus. The disease has developed. (St. Petersburg)

“This is interesting, as it is for many people.” respiratory virus Optimized for infection through mucous membranes such as the nose and mouth. ”

The report emphasizes the need to consume only pasteurized milk, Liu said.

“I can’t think of any reason to drink raw milk.”

Experts say pasteurization eliminates the risk

Before milk can be sold commercially, government regulations require it to be pasteurized.

According to the International Dairy Products Association (IDFA) website, during the pasteurization process, raw milk is heated to a certain temperature for a short period of time and then cooled again.

This process kills any pathogens and makes the milk safe to drink.

“I can’t think of any reason to drink raw milk.”

“In the United States, milk that is sold commercially within the states must be pasteurized,” Dr. Scott Pagan, a professor of biomedical sciences at the University of California, Riverside and a biochemist at the National Institute for Chemical Defense Medicine, told Fox News. told Digital. last week.

“This process aims to kill viruses such as H5N1 and other bacteria that may pose a threat to people. human health. ”

sick cat

According to the CDC report, the cat (not pictured) initially suffered from an illness that included “depression, rigid body movements, ataxia (incoordination), blindness, circling and profuse oculo-nasal discharge.” He is said to have shown signs of. (St. Petersburg)

“Pasteurized milk is safe, and there is no reason to avoid it or other pasteurized milk products at this time,” Pegan continued.

“However, there are significant risks to consuming unpasteurized milk and milk products.”

Even after that viruses and bacteria If the animal dies in pasteurized milk, its remains may remain in the milk, but it is not dangerous, he said.

FDA recommendations

Last week, the FDA reiterated its “longstanding recommendation” that consumers avoid consuming unpasteurized raw milk.

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The agency also requires companies to manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk products made from milk from cows that have tested positive for avian influenza, been exposed to the virus, or have confirmed symptoms of avian influenza. It was advised to refrain from selling it. symptoms of illness.

dairy farm milk

“Pasteurized milk is safe and there is no reason to avoid it or other pasteurized milk products at this time,” the experts said. (St. Petersburg)

The FDA also urged producers to “take precautions” when discarding milk from affected cows “to ensure that discarded milk does not become a source of further spread.”

Only one person has been confirmed to be infected so far infected with a virus after contact with infected cattle, the FDA said.

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“The CDC states the risk to the general public remains low,” the agency said.

“FDA and USDA continue to indicate that our commercial milk supply is safe based on the information we currently have.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the CDC for additional comment.

For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.

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