Just days after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order requiring all raw (unpasteurized) milk to be tested, For bird fluReports have emerged of animals dying from the virus.
In Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health is investigating the deaths of two cats who reportedly consumed raw milk.
After drinking the milk, the cats showed symptoms including lack of appetite, fever and neurological problems, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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The statement stated, “The infected cats died after their illness worsened sharply, and they were subsequently confirmed to be infected with influenza A, which is a rare result in cats.”
Reports of animals dying from bird flu have emerged 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 studying these “suspected cases of H5 avian influenza” and confirmatory tests are currently being conducted.
Cats can get bird flu by eating infected birds or other animals or drinking raw milk from infected cows Health officials.
Although it is possible for cats to transmit influenza strains to humans, there have been no reports of this occurring with the current H5 avian influenza outbreak.
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“The risk of H5 avian influenza remains low in Los Angeles County, but this… Suspected case of infection with the virus “Pet cats who ingested raw milk are a reminder that consumption of raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in cats,” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in the statement.
“To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 avian influenza, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy products and undercooked meat, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets or poultry away from animals.” And wild birds.”
Two cats in Los Angeles (not pictured) reportedly died from bird flu after consuming raw milk. (Istock)
Meanwhile, at Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, a few Resident animals He reportedly died after contracting bird flu.
Local reports said that the cheetah, mountain lion, swift, 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 “appears to be responding to treatment,” according to the report.
“The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to the discovery of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of the Zoo's collection at Litchfield Park,” health officials stated in a news 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, nine days have passed without any positive cases,” a zoo representative told Fox News Digital. “We also did not record any positive cases of bird flu among any of our employees or volunteers.” (Istock)
“Fortunately, nine days have passed without any positive cases,” the spokesman said. “We also have not had any positive cases with any of our staff or volunteers as a result Bird flu“.
“We are all devastated by the loss of five cherished animals, but with over 6,000 animals, we are grateful that the impact has been limited thanks to our rapid response and robust protocols.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five beloved animals.”
The disease outbreak continues Cases of infection among dairy cows, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds have also been reported in several US states.
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The animal deaths are “continuing signs” that the situation with the H5N1 virus in the United States is “getting worse, not better,” said Sam Scarpino, director of artificial intelligence and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.
Continued outbreaks among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl, and wild birds have also been reported in multiple U.S. states. (Istock)
“Reported infections among humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlights how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It is important that we take steps to better control transmission of H5N1 in dairy cows and better understand how it spreads between states in the United States.”
“Studies show that even a single mutation can significantly enhance their infectivity in humans.”
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a biotechnology company in San Francisco, warned that the H5N1 virus has been found “in relatively high concentrations” in raw milk.
“Without pasteurization, the virus remains viable in the milk and can infect anyone who drinks it,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“It is not common, as we have not seen a wave of H5N1 infections Raw milk drinkersBut the virus mutates and therefore poses a potential danger.”
Although most cows had only mild infections, Glanville noted that the strain was “highly virulent” in birds, rodents and primates.
“Reported infections among humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlights how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” one expert told Fox News Digital. (Istock)
“Studies show that even a single mutation can be significant enhance its infection In humans,” he said.
“Given the ability of the virus to survive in milk and infect mucous membranes, coupled with the potential for a pandemic, avoiding raw milk is highly recommended,” Glanville added.
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The expert also stressed that it is necessary to drink only pasteurized milk to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens usually found in raw milk.
