The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) said yesterday that tests have confirmed H5 avian flu in two cats that died after drinking recalled raw milk that it is investigating three other possible cases in cats that weren’t exposed to raw milk.
In other developments, health officials in Wisconsin and Louisiana shared a few more illness details on recently announced suspected and confirmed human cases, respectively, and federal officials confirmed more outbreaks in cows and poultry.
Raw meat may be culprit in latest cat illnesses
The confirmed LA County infections involve indoor cats from the same household, which were initially announced as suspected cases on December 12. After drinking raw milk from Raw Farm, the cats experienced appetite loss, fever, and neurologic signs. They initially tested positive for influenza A, which officials said is rare in cats. Other pets in the household are under quarantine.
Meanwhile, officials are investigating possible infections in three other cats from a different household. One tested positive for influenza A, and the others died from presumed influenza A. Confirmation tests are under way.
The three cats with suspected infections don’t have any known exposure to raw milk, and investigators are examining other potential sources of the virus, including raw meat. People exposed to the three cats are under symptom monitoring and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis.
Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, Med, director of LACDPH, said, “The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but these confirmed cases of the virus in pet cats are a reminder that consuming raw dairy and meat products can lead to severe illness in cats.”
Source: Los Angeles County confirms avian flu in cat deaths as more cases suspected | CIDRAP

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