Health officials are investigating possible cases of H5 bird flu after two cats died from consuming recalled raw milk, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The department issued a release on Thursday saying the two cats that died consumed milk from Raw Farm, LLC, after the company voluntarily recalled all raw milk and cream products earlier this month.
After consuming the raw milk, the cats reportedly showed onset symptoms of lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs.
"The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness, and subsequently tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats," said the department in a release.
As the department waits to obtain confirmatory testing, it notes that the nationwide H5 bird flu outbreak has seen other cats infected with the virus after drinking infected raw milk.
"The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in cats," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds."
The cats' owners and other people who had direct contact with them are monitoring for symptoms and have been offered antiviral prophlaxis, according to the release.
"There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats yet identified," said the department. "The investigation is ongoing."
As health officials investigate these two cases, they urge residents to be proactive about preventing a spread of infection.
According to the department, cats can be exposed to H5 bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals, consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows, or just simply being in contaminated environments.
Officials say symptoms of H5 bird flu infection in humans include eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing and fever.
"Anyone who has consumed these specific recalled raw milk products and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department," stated the release.