Two cats test positive for bird flu after consuming recalled raw milk linked to CA farm
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Health Department is warning the public after two cats tested positive for H5 bird flu after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC.
According to the health department, two infected cats died after their symptoms continued to worsen. They also tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats.
Their symptoms included lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs.
Nationwide, other cats have been infected by H5 bird flu after consuming infected raw milk.
RELATED: Bird flu virus detected in raw milk sold in California; recall issued
"People who had direct contact with the cats are monitoring for symptoms and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis. There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats yet identified. The investigation is ongoing. Although human cases of bird flu are rare and the risk to residents remains low, this detection of H5 bird flu in cats who consumed raw milk underscores the importance of being proactive about preventing ongoing transmission of the virus," the health department said in a statement.
RELATED: Bird flu detected in California child confirmed to be first case in the US
Cats can also be exposed to H5 bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals, being in environments contaminated with the virus, and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows.
Cats can transmit influenza strains to humans, but there have been no known cases to date of H5 bird flu transmitted from cats to humans as part of this nationwide H5 bird flu outbreak.