US health officials are investigating two suspected avian flu illnesses in indoor pet cats that drank recalled raw milk, sparking concerns about the spread of bird flu among other animals. The Los Angeles County Department of Health has confirmed the cases, which include appetite loss, fever, and neurologic signs, after both cats died from the symptoms.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also reported several outbreaks in dairy cattle in California and poultry flocks in three states, with 58 more detections in dairy cattle alone. Additionally, two states have seen a rise in wild-bird detections.
Maricopa County in Arizona is working to contain an avian flu outbreak affecting a small number of animals at the Wildlife World Zoo near Phoenix. The zoo has isolated infected or potentially infected animals and stepped up its biosafety protocols.
Meanwhile, health officials are urging residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, as well as limit contact with sick or dead animals and report any sick or dead birds. People exposed to the sick cats are under monitoring and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/avian-flu-suspected-cats-drank-raw-milk-virus-kills-animals-arizona-zoo