Health Officials Investigate Bird Flu in Cats

Health officials in Los Angeles County are investigating two suspected cases of H5 bird flu in cats that died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC. The cats exhibited symptoms including lack of appetite, fever, and neurological issues before dying, and subsequent tests revealed they were positive for Influenza A, which encompasses various flu strains, including bird flu. While there have been no reported human cases linked to these cats, people who had contact with them are being monitored and offered antiviral medications. The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in the area, but officials stress that consuming raw dairy products can pose serious health risks to pets. The investigation follows a nationwide trend where domestic cats have contracted bird flu, particularly through contaminated food sources. Residents are advised to avoid raw dairy and limit interactions with wild animals to prevent further spread of the virus.