The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has reported three more cases of H5 avian flu infections in pet cats, bringing the total to seven confirmed cases. The latest cases were linked to exposure to raw food or raw milk.
Federal officials have also confirmed additional H5N1 detections in domestic cats from California and other states. Tests are underway for multiple raw pet food brands.
A recent investigation found that a cat became ill after eating three different brands of commercially available raw pet food, while five others died after drinking recalled raw milk. The LACDPH is urging veterinarians to advise pet owners against feeding pets raw foods due to the risks associated with the virus.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed 11 more H5N1 detections in domestic cats, including five from Los Angeles County. These cases highlight the ongoing risk of avian flu transmission to mammals, particularly pets, through contaminated food products.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h5n1-confirmed-more-cats-probe-raw-pet-food-widens