Bird flu is causing the death of cats and pets as the virus continues to spread

A few days after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order that all unpasteurized milk must be tested for bird flu, there have been reports of animals dying of the virus.

In Los Angeles County, the public health department is investigating the deaths of two cats that reportedly ate raw milk.

After drinking the milk, the felines showed symptoms including loss of appetite, fever and neurological problems, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

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“The infected cats died after becoming very ill, and were later diagnosed with influenza A, an unusual result in cats,” the release said.

Health officials are considering these “suspected cases of H5 bird flu” and confirmation tests are ongoing.

Cats can contract bird flu by eating infected birds or other animals or by drinking raw milk from infected cows, according to health officials.

Although it is possible for cats to transmit influenza to humans, there have been no reports of this happening since the H5 bird flu outbreak.

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“The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this case of suspected infection in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw milk products can lead to serious illness in cats,” said Dr. Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in the release.

“To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and pets to avoid raw milk and raw meat products, minimize contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets or poultry away. wild animals and birds.

Two cats in Los Angeles (not pictured) reportedly died of bird flu after eating raw milk. (Stock)

Meanwhile, at the Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, it is reported that there are several animals living there after contracting bird flu.

Local reports say that a cheetah, mountain lion, lynx, Indian goose and kookaburra have died of bird flu, according to a zoo official.

The white tiger was also confirmed to be infected but “appeared to be responding to treatment,” according to the report.

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“The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to the discovery of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of the Litchfield Park zoo collection,” health officials said in a press release. this week.

“The overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low.”

A zoo representative provided an update to Fox News Digital on Friday.

“Fortunately, we've had nine days without positive cases,” a zoo representative told Fox News Digital. “We have never had any good cases with our staff or volunteers because of bird flu.” (Stock)

“Fortunately, we have nine days to go without charges,” said the spokesman. “We have never had any good cases with our staff or volunteers because of bird flu.”

“We are all devastated by the loss of five of our beloved animals, but with over 6,000 animals, we are thankful that the impact was limited due to our quick response and strict protocols.”

“We are all devastated by the loss of five of our beloved animals.”

Outbreaks have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl and wild birds in many US states.

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Sam Scarpino, PhD, director of AI and health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said the animal deaths are “continuing signs” that the situation with H5N1 in the US is “getting worse, not better.”

Outbreaks have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl and wild birds in many US states. (Stock)

“Illnesses reported in humans and now in domestic cats due to consumption of raw milk also highlight how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” he told Fox News Digital.

“It is critical that we take steps to better control the transmission of H5N1 in dairy cattle and better understand how it spreads between US states”

“Research shows that even a single mutation can significantly improve its infectivity in humans.”

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, warned that H5N1 has been found in “very high concentrations” in raw milk.

“Without smearing it, the virus remains active in the milk and can infect the person who drinks it,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“It's not a common occurrence, as we haven't seen any outbreaks of H5N1 infections from people drinking raw milk, but the virus is mutating so it's a potential threat.”

While most cattle have only mild disease, Glanville noted that the strain has been “very bad” in birds, ferrets and ferrets.

“Illnesses reported in humans and now in domestic cats due to consumption of raw milk also highlight how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” the expert told Fox News Digital. (Stock)

“Research indicates that even a single mutation can significantly improve its infectivity in humans,” he said.

“Since the virus can persist in milk and infect mucosal membranes, as well as the potential for epidemics, avoiding raw milk is highly recommended,” added Glanville.

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The expert also emphasized that it is important to drink only pasteurized milk to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria found in raw milk.