Bird flu causes deaths of cats and zoo animals as virus continues to spread

Just days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order requiring all raw (unpasteurized) milk to be tested for avian flu, there have been reports of animal deaths from the virus.

In Los Angeles County, the public health department is investigating the deaths of two cats who allegedly consumed recalled raw milk.

After drinking the milk, the felines experienced 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 infected cats died after a severe worsening of their illness 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 shown). The USDA recently issued a new order that all raw (unpasteurized) milk must be tested for the virus. (iStock)

Health authorities are examining these “suspected cases of H5 bird flu” and confirmatory tests are underway.

Cats can contract bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals or drinking raw milk from infected cows, according to health officials.

Although it is possible for cats to transmit strains of flu to humans, no cases have been reported with the current outbreak of H5 avian flu.

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“The risk of H5 avian flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a pet cat that consumed raw milk serves as a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can lead to serious illness in cats,” said Dr. Barbara. Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in the release.

“To prevent the spread of disease, including H5 avian influenza, we strongly encourage 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 keep pets or poultry away from wildlife and birds.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment.

Two Los Angeles cats (not pictured) reportedly died of bird flu after consuming raw milk. (iStock)

Meanwhile, at Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, a few resident animals are reported to have died after being infected with bird flu.

Local reports indicated that a cheetah, a mountain lion, a sultana, an Indian goose and a kookaburra died from avian flu, according to a zoo official.

A white tiger was also confirmed to be infected, but “appeared to respond 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 avian influenza in a small number of animals in a Litchfield Zoo collection Park,” health officials said 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.

“Thankfully, we are nine days without any more positive cases,” a zoo representative told Fox News Digital. “We have also had no positive cases of bird flu in any of our staff or volunteers.” (iStock)

“Fortunately, we are nine days with no more positive cases,” the spokesperson said. “We have also had no positive cases of bird flu in any of our staff or volunteers.”

“We are all devastated by the loss of five precious animals, but with more than 6,000 animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our rapid response and robust protocols.”

“We are all devastated by the loss of five precious animals.”

Continuing outbreaks 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 “continuing signs” that the H5N1 situation in the United States is “getting worse.” gets worse, not better.”

Continuing outbreaks have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl and wild birds in several US states. (iStock)

“Reported infections in humans and now in 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 control the transmission of H5N1 in dairy cows and better understand how it spreads between states in the United States.”

“Studies indicate that even a single mutation could significantly increase its infectivity in humans.”

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, warned that the H5N1 virus had been detected in “relatively high concentrations” in raw milk.

“Without pasteurizing it, the virus remains viable in the milk and could potentially infect someone who drinks it,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“It's not that common, as we haven't seen a rash of H5N1 infections among raw milk drinkers, but the virus is mutating and therefore poses a potential risk.”

Although most of the cows had only a mild infection, Glanville noted that the strain was found to be “very 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 significantly increase its infectivity in humans,” he said.

“Given the ability of the virus to persist in milk and infect mucous membranes, as well as the risk of a pandemic, it is strongly 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 avoid the spread of harmful pathogens commonly found in raw milk.

Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].

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