Los Angeles County health officials have issued a warning against feeding pets raw food after detecting bird flu virus in samples from a recalled pet food brand, ABC News reports.
This announcement follows the first reported human case of bird flu in the county and a statewide emergency declaration addressing the virus’s spread.
The affected product, Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food, was voluntarily recalled after samples tested positive for bird flu. Health officials noted that a house cat in Oregon died after consuming the contaminated product.
Authorities also cautioned against feeding pets raw dairy, meat, or poultry products, which can harbor pathogens such as bird flu.
“Consumption of raw milk and raw meat products should be avoided for both humans and pets,” officials advised.
This warning comes after a previous incident in which several cats in the county died from consuming contaminated raw milk.
The first human case of H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County was confirmed in an adult who had been exposed to infected livestock at their workplace. The individual experienced mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication, and is now recovering at home.
Despite this case, health officials reassured the public that the overall risk of H5 bird flu remains low.
California has reported at least 36 human cases of bird flu, out of 65 confirmed nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus has been detected in livestock across the state, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on December 18.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Governor Newsom said.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, eye redness, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Individuals who work with infected animals, such as livestock, poultry, or wildlife, are at a higher risk of exposure.
LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis emphasized the importance of precautions:
- Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, including poultry and wildlife.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products, such as raw milk or meat.
- Protect pets and backyard poultry from exposure to wild animals.
Dr. Davis also recommended getting the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness and the likelihood of co-infection with bird flu.
