Virus kills animals at Arizona zoo, suspected bird flu in cats who drank raw milk

The Los Angeles County Health Department announced today that it is investigating possible avian influenza symptoms in two indoor cats that drank the recalled raw milk, including an infected zoo animal in Maricopa County, Arizona. There are growing concerns about the spread of infection to other animals.

Also today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed several additional outbreaks in dairy cattle in California and poultry flocks in three states. Two states also reported an increase in the number of wild bird detections.

Cat dies after drinking recalled raw milk

in statementLos Angeles County health officials announced that two cats developed symptoms after ingesting Raw Farm milk. Their symptoms included anorexia, fever, and neurological signs. Both patients' symptoms worsened and they died.

Tests revealed that she had influenza type A, which is rare in cats. Officials said these cases are considered suspected cases of H5 avian influenza and confirmatory testing will be conducted. Officials noted that in previous outbreaks at U.S. dairy farms, cats were known to become infected after drinking raw milk from infected cows.

People who have been in contact with sick cats are kept under surveillance and offered prophylaxis (prophylaxis) with antiviral drugs.

When raw milk from raw farms was recalled after a product on retail shelves tested positive, authorities urged people not to drink raw milk or give it to pets.

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, MPH, MD, said this case is a reminder that the virus can cause serious illness in cats. “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 out of the wild.”

Cheetah, puma included in zoo animal deaths

Maricopa County yesterday announced The zoo said it is working with state and federal partners to respond to an outbreak of avian influenza affecting a small number of animals at Wildlife World Zoo near Phoenix.

Arizona Department of Agriculture testing showed the sample was likely positive for H5N1. Public health officials are working to identify staff and volunteers who may have had prolonged contact with the animals. People will be monitored and offered antiviral prophylaxis.

The zoo has isolated infected or potentially infected animals and strengthened biosafety protocols.

media coverage The dead animals include cheetahs, mountain lions, swamp chickens, barred geese and kingfishers. The infected white tiger's symptoms appear to be improving after treatment.

“We are very sad to report the loss of several precious animals, but thanks to our quick response, robust biosecurity protocols, and Maricopa's invaluable support, we are very sad to report the loss of several precious animals,” said Zoo Director Christy Hayden. We are grateful that the impact was limited.” county public health departments and state and federal agencies. ”

Two recent outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry were reported in Arizona, one on a commercial farm in Pinal County and the other in a backyard flock in Maricopa County.

Increased detection in cattle, poultry, and wild birds

In other animal developments, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 58 additional detections today. dairy cowall in California, bringing the state total to 617 and the national total to 832 in 16 states. The outbreak in California, the nation's top dairy producing state, has now affected nearly half of the state's approximately 1,300 dairy farms.

Additionally, APHIS poultry The three states include two commercial farms in Iowa, a 50,000-bird turkey producer in Palo Alto County and a 1.6 million-bird turkey producer in Sioux County. It's a turkey farm with birds of a feather.

The group also confirmed the virus at a commercial farm in Adair County, Oklahoma, which raises 40,000 birds, and at a turkey facility in Brule County, South Dakota.

Meanwhile, two states, Louisiana and Missouri, have warned of an increase in avian influenza in wild birds.

of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries The researchers said fall migration is causing a resurgence of avian influenza infections in waterfowl. He urged people not to expose their pets to wild birds and not to handle sick or dead birds.

The Missouri Department of Conservation said: it is being monitored Sick and dead waterfowl have been reported across the state, and neighboring states of Iowa and Kansas are seeing similar trends. He also warned the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, including keeping pets away from birds.