A recent outbreak of bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus, has infected at least six pet cats in Los Angeles County. The cats, who consumed raw pet food or raw milk containing the virus, are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms and some have died.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), testing confirmed that two brands of commercially available raw pet food, including Monarch Raw Pet Food, contained live H5N1 virus. Anyone who has purchased this product is advised to dispose of it immediately.
The outbreak is concerning not only due to the distress caused by the loss or sickness of beloved pets but also because it highlights the risk of the virus mutating and spreading between species. While there is currently no evidence of local cat-to-cat, cat-to-human, or human-to-human spread of H5 bird flu, people who come into close contact with animals, especially wild birds and their feces, have a greater risk of exposure.
This outbreak marks the first confirmed cases of cats infected with H5N1 in LA County, but similar cases are also emerging from around California and other states in the US. The virus typically infects birds and poultry, but recent detection in dairy cattle and other animals has increased the risk to humans.
In the US, 66 people have been confirmed infected with H5N1, and one person has died from it. To minimize the risk of exposure, pet owners are advised to:
* Avoid feeding animals raw dairy, meat, poultry, or raw pet food diets
* Monitor food recalls and share them with other pet owners
* Be aware of potential H5 bird flu symptoms in pets, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, skin discoloration, respiratory symptoms, and neurological signs.
If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to bird flu, assess their symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/bird-flu-confirmed-in-cat-deaths-linked-to-raw-pet-food-milk