Cats die of suspected bird flu after drinking recalled raw milk

Two Los Angeles domestic cats die of suspected bird flu after apparently drinking raw milk related to a recall to contain the virus.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health said work is underway to confirm the presence of H5N1 in pet cats through several tests.

The two cats began showing symptoms after drinking raw milk products, including loss of appetite, fever and neurological signs. The cats died after symptoms worsened.

Bird flu affecting cats is a rare event, health officials said. It can happen from drinking raw milk that contains the presence of the virus or from cats eating infected birds.

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People who had direct contact with the cats are being monitored for symptoms and given antiviral prophylaxis, the health department said.

Dr. Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement: “To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products cooked, to limit contact with the sick. or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or birds away from wild animals and birds.”