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Just days after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order that all raw (unpasteurized) milk must be tested. for bird flureports have emerged of animals dying from the virus.
In Los Angeles County, the public health department is investigating the deaths of two cats that reportedly consumed recalled raw milk.
After drinking the milk, the felines showed symptoms that included loss of appetite, fever and neurological problems, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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“The infected cats died after a severe worsening of their disease and subsequently tested positive for influenza A, a rare finding in cats,” the statement said.
There have been reports of animals dying from bird flu in various parts of the United States (not pictured). The USDA recently issued a new order that all raw (unpasteurized) milk must be tested for the virus. (iStock)
Health officials are considering these “suspected cases of H5 bird flu” and confirmatory testing is underway.
Cats can contract bird flu by eating infected birds or other animals or by drinking raw milk from infected cows, according to health officials.
While it is possible for cats to transmit flu strains to humans, there have been no reports of that happening with the current H5 bird flu outbreak.
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“The risk of H5 avian influenza remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can cause serious illness in cats,” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in the statement.
“To prevent the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we advise residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and maintain pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.”
Two cats in Los Angeles (not pictured) died of bird flu after consuming raw milk. (iStock)
Meanwhile, at the Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, a few resident animals They have been reported to have died after being infected with bird flu.
Local reports indicated that a cheetah, mountain lion, moorhen, Indian goose and kookaburra died as a result of bird flu, according to a zoo official.
A white tiger was also confirmed to be infected but “appeared to be responding to treatment,” according to the report.
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“The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to the detection of bird flu in a small number of animals that are part of a collection of zoos in Litchfield Park,” health officials said in a press release. this week
“The overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low.”
A zoo representative provided an update to Fox News Digital on Friday.
“Fortunately, we are now nine days without any more positive cases,” a zoo representative told Fox News Digital. “Nor have we had any positive cases involving any of our employees or volunteers as a result of bird flu.” (iStock)
“Fortunately, we are now nine days without any more positive cases,” the spokesman said. “We have also had no positive cases involving any of our employees or volunteers as a result bird flu.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five beloved animals, but with more than 6,000 animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our quick response and strong protocols.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five beloved animals.”
Continued outbreaks They have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds in several US states.
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Sam Scarpino, PhD, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said the animal deaths are “continued signs” that the H5N1 situation in the United States “is getting worse, not better.”
Continued outbreaks among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds have also been reported in several US states. (iStock)
“Reported infections in humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlight how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It is important that we take steps to better monitor the transmission of H5N1 in dairy cows and better understand how it is spreading among US states.”
“The studies indicate that even a single mutation could significantly improve its infectivity in humans.”
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotech company, warned that H5N1 has been found in “relatively high concentrations” in raw milk.
“Unpasteurized, the virus is still viable in the milk and could infect someone who drinks it,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“It’s not that common, as we haven’t seen any outbreaks of H5N1 infections from raw milk drinkersbut the virus is mutating and therefore a potential risk.”
While most cows have only had a mild infection, Glanville noted that the strain has been “highly virulent” in birds, ferrets and primates.
“Reported infections in humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlight how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Studies indicate that even a single mutation could be significant improve its infectivity in humans,” he said.
“Given the ability of the virus to persist in milk and infect mucous membranes, along with the potential for a pandemic, it is recommended to avoid raw milk,” Glanville added.
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The expert also stressed that it is essential to drink only pasteurized milk to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens commonly found in raw milk.
