A California man is mourning the loss of his two cats after giving them unpasteurized milk thinking it was healthier for them. The owner, Joseph Journell, said he had been drinking the milk himself as a way to boost his immunity and healing properties. However, when his 14-year-old tabby, Alexander, and 4-year-old tuxedo cat, Tuxsie, drank the raw milk, they both died.
The cats’ deaths were confirmed by state and county health officials after consuming milk from Raw Farm in Fresno, which was recalled due to a bird flu virus. Journell had also been feeding his third cat, Big Boy, who tested positive for H5N1 bird flu virus. While the cat is recovering with antiviral medications, Journell said he fell ill himself and wasn’t checked for bird flu despite knowing exposure.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of unpasteurized milk and raw pet food, which can contain germs like the H5N1 bird flu virus. Experts have warned people not to drink raw milk or feed unpasteurized products to their animals due to the risk of infection.
Journell’s case is part of a larger outbreak affecting nearly a dozen cats in California who have died after consuming contaminated raw milk or food. The FDA has issued warnings about the dangers of raw milk and raw pet food, and health officials are urging pet owners to take precautions to protect their animals.
Source: https://www.ktvu.com/news/he-gave-his-cats-raw-milk-because-he-thought-was-healthier-he-says-tragically-backfired