Reports of animal deaths from avian influenza come days after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order requiring all raw (unpasteurized) milk to be tested for avian influenza.
In Los Angeles County, public health officials are investigating the deaths of two cats who apparently ingested recalled raw milk.
According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the cats that drank the milk showed symptoms including loss of appetite, fever, and neurological problems.
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“The infected cat died after becoming seriously ill and subsequently tested positive for influenza A, an unusual finding in cats,” the release states.
There have been reports of animal deaths due to avian influenza in various parts of the United States (not shown). The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a new order requiring all raw (unpasteurized) milk to be tested for the virus. (St. Petersburg)
Health authorities are considering these “suspected cases of H5 avian influenza” and confirmatory testing is underway.
Health officials say cats can become infected with bird flu by eating infected birds or other animals or drinking raw milk from infected cows.
It is possible that cats can transmit influenza strains to humans, but there are no reports of that happening in the current H5 bird flu outbreak.
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“While the risk of H5 avian influenza remains low in Los Angeles County, the suspected case of the virus in a domestic cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consumption of raw dairy products can cause serious illness in cats. “Yes,” Dr. Barbara said. Los Angeles County Public Health Director Ferrer said in a release.
“To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 avian influenza, we encourage our residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, and We strongly recommend that you report sick or dead birds and keep pets and poultry indoors.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment.
Two cats in Los Angeles (not pictured) reportedly died from bird flu after ingesting raw milk. (St. Petersburg)
Meanwhile, several animals at the Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, reportedly died after contracting bird flu.
Zoo officials said local reports said a cheetah, puma, swan pen, barred goose and kingfisher had died from avian influenza.
A white tiger was also confirmed to be infected, but “it appears to be responding to treatment.''
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“The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners in response to the detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of the zoo collection at Litchfield Park. ” health officials said in a press release. this week.
“The overall risk to the general public and zoo visitors remains low.”
A zoo representative provided an update to Fox News Digital on Friday.
“Fortunately, we have not had a positive case in nine days,” a zoo representative told FOX News Digital. “Also, there have been no positive cases of bird flu among our employees or volunteers.” (St. Petersburg)
“Fortunately, nine days have passed without a positive case,” the spokesperson said. “Also, there have been no positive cases of bird flu among our employees or volunteers.”
“While we are all devastated by the loss of five precious animals, we are grateful that our quick response and robust protocols ensured that the impact was limited, with over 6,000 animals at stake. Thank you very much.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five precious animals.”
Continuing outbreaks have also been reported in dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds in several U.S. states.
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Dr. Sam Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said the animal deaths are a “continuing sign” that the H5N1 situation in the United States is “getting worse, not better.”
Continuing outbreaks have also been reported in dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds in several U.S. states. (St. Petersburg)
“Reports of infections in humans and domestic cats from consuming raw milk highlight how dangerous consuming raw milk is for humans,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It is important that we take steps to better control H5N1 infections in dairy cows and better understand how H5N1 infections are spreading among U.S. states.”
“Studies have shown that even a single mutation can significantly increase human infectivity.”
Dr. Jacob Granville, CEO of San Francisco biotech company Sentivax, warned that H5N1 had been detected in “relatively high concentrations” in raw milk.
“Without pasteurization, the virus remains alive in the milk and can infect people who drink it,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“H5N1 rash has not been confirmed in people who consume raw milk, so it is not a very common occurrence, but the virus is mutating, so it is a potential risk.”
Although most cattle have only mild infections, Granville noted that the strain is “highly virulent” in birds, ferrets and primates.
“Reports of infections in humans and domestic cats from consuming raw milk highlight how dangerous consuming raw milk is for humans,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“Studies show that even a single mutation can significantly increase human infectivity.”
“Given the ability of the virus to persist in milk and infect mucous membranes, and the potential for a pandemic, avoiding raw milk is strongly recommended,” Granville added.
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Experts also stressed the importance of drinking only pasteurized milk to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens commonly found in raw milk.
