California Man’s Two Cats Died After Drinking Raw Milk Due to Bird Flu Risk
A California man, Joseph Journell, 56, of San Bernardino, lost two of his cats, Alexander and Tuxsie, after they drank raw milk from a dairy farm that was recalled due to the risk of bird flu.
Tragic Loss
Journell’s 14-year-old tabby, Alexander, and 4-year-old tuxedo cat, Tuxsie, died in late November. A third cat, 4-year-old Big Boy, was hospitalized for a week before tests showed he was infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The Cats’ Fatal Mistake
The cats drank unpasteurized milk from Raw Farm, of Fresno, whose dairy products were pulled from California store shelves in December after health officials found the virus in milk for sale. The animals’ deaths were confirmed by state and county health officials. The cats were kept indoors, with no access to potentially infected birds, and ate conventional, not raw, pet food, according to their owner.
Journell’s Misguided Efforts
Journell had been drinking Raw Farm milk himself for several months because he heard it had "better immunity and healing properties" than pasteurized milk. He thought it might help Alexander, who had been losing weight.
"I was trying to make him healthier and make him live longer," Journell said.
Instead of a Miracle Cure, a Deadly Outcome
Instead, Alexander died on Thanksgiving Day, and Tuxsie followed two days later. Big Boy was hospitalized and treated with antiviral medications, and later returned home blind and unable to use his back legs, although he is recovering. A fourth cat, Cleo, didn’t drink the milk and remained healthy.
Legal Action
Journell has demanded that Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee compensate him for the more than $12,000 he spent treating the cats, through Seattle food safety lawyer Ilana Korchia, who is representing him.
Raw Farm’s Dispute
McAfee disputed that the virus was capable of sickening the animals days after it was bottled and sold, citing preliminary research. However, Richard Webby, an influenza expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, said flu virus survival likely varies widely in different lots of milk.
"I think the poor cats are the best indicator!" Webby wrote in an email.
A Growing Concern
Nearly a dozen cats in California have died since early December after consuming raw milk or raw pet food contaminated with bird flu, health officials have said. The infections have followed a massive outbreak of the bird flu virus in dairy cows, which has affected over 900 U.S. dairy herds in 16 states. About 80% of those herds are in California.
Warning and Precautions
Federal and state health officials have warned people not to drink raw milk because of the potential for infection with bird flu and a host of other germs. Officials also have cautioned pet owners to avoid feeding unpasteurized milk and raw meat diets to their animals.
"Cats should not be fed any products from affected farms if those products have not been thoroughly cooked or pasteurized to kill the virus," the FDA warned last month.
Journell’s Experience
After the cats got sick, Journell said he fell ill himself and sought care at a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Fontana, California. He said he wasn’t checked for bird flu, despite his known exposure to the virus, because medical staff didn’t have tests available to detect it.
Journell has recovered physically but said he’s still suffering from the "mental anguish" of losing his pets. Despite the ordeal, he said he still thinks raw milk offers some health benefits.
"Nevertheless, he won’t be drinking it any time soon," he said. "Not right now. And not in the foreseeable future."
Conclusion
The incident highlights the risks associated with consuming raw milk and raw pet food, particularly in the context of a bird flu outbreak. It is essential for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their pets’ health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the bird flu virus?
A: The bird flu virus, also known as H5N1, is a type of influenza A virus that affects birds and can also infect humans and other animals.
Q: What are the symptoms of bird flu in animals?
A: The symptoms of bird flu in animals can include respiratory problems, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.
Q: How can I protect my pet from bird flu?
A: You can protect your pet from bird flu by avoiding feeding them raw milk or raw pet food, and ensuring that any food or products they consume have been thoroughly cooked or pasteurized to kill the virus.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my pet has bird flu?
A: If you suspect your pet has bird flu, you should contact your veterinarian or a local animal health authority for guidance and treatment.
