Two separate cases in California have highlighted the emerging threat of H5N1 bird flu to cats, leading to the deaths of several felines and prompting urgent warnings from health officials. Authorities are urging pet owners to be vigilant about potential exposure risks, food recalls, and symptoms of the virus in their animals.
A tragic incident unfolded in a five-cat household where two feline family members succumbed to illness after consuming two brands of commercially available raw pet food . The cats, kept strictly indoors, presented a clear dietary link for the potential infection. All five cats exhibited a sudden onset of illness, with four developing severe clinical conditions, while one displayed only mild symptoms.
Two of the cats suffered such severe respiratory distress that their veterinarian deemed euthanasia the most humane option. Subsequent testing confirmed that one of the severely affected cats was infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus (commonly known as bird flu). This harrowing discovery led investigators to another brand of raw pet food sold at farmers markets, 'Monarch Raw Pet Food,' which was found to contain live H5N1 virus. Authorities issued an urgent advisory urging anyone who had purchased this product to dispose of it immediately.In a separate incident, a single-cat household in Los Angeles sought veterinary care for their cat experiencing an acute onset of illness. Testing confirmed that this indoor-only cat, who had also consumed raw pet food from three different brands (currently under investigation), was infected with H5N1. The gravity of the situation extends beyond individual households. Information regarding H5N1 cases in cats is emerging from various locations across California and other US states following December sampling. This news has sparked concern not only due to the immense sorrow and grief caused by the loss or illness of beloved pets, but also because of the potential implications for public health. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has emphasized that, currently, there is no evidence of local cat-to-cat, cat-to-human, or human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu, and the risk to the general public remains low. However, individuals who come into close contact with animals, particularly wild birds and their droppings, infected cats, infected poultry, or infected dairy cattle and their milk, face a higher risk of exposure. The LACDPH urges vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risk. This includes staying informed about food recalls and sharing them with other pet owners, visiting the FDA's website for updates, and being aware of potential H5 bird flu symptoms in pets. If a pet shows signs of illness that could be linked to bird flu, such as severe lethargy, loss of appetite, skin or eyes turning yellow (indicating liver issues), respiratory symptoms, neurological signs like circling, loss of balance, or seizures, red eyes, unusual eye movements, or vision problems, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Bird Flu H5N1 Pet Health Raw Pet Food California Los Angeles Animal Health Food Recalls
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