Two cases of H5 bird flu in cats have been confirmed in California. It was found that the cats consumed raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC, which was recalled. These felines developed symptoms such as fever, lack of appetite, and neurological issues, eventually dying from the virus.

Public Health is continuing its investigation, as other cats across the nation have been infected by consuming raw milk. Residents are urged to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, as these can transmit harmful germs like H5 bird flu. Symptoms in humans may include cough, sore throat, fever, and trouble breathing.

To protect the health of domestic pets, PetMD offers these tips:

• First, keep your cat indoors to reduce their exposure to infected wildlife. Outdoor cats not only face dangers but also kill billions of birds annually, according to the American Bird Conservancy. If a cat catches or eats a bird with bird flu, they risk becoming infected.
• Avoid giving your cat raw milk as well. Dairy milk can upset a cat’s stomach due to lactose intolerance and high fat content, but raw milk is particularly dangerous because it hasn’t been pasteurized. This allows harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu, to remain, posing serious health risks to both your cat and you.
• And lastly, steer clear of raw food diets for your cat. These diets, often made from uncooked meat and organs, are more likely than other pet foods to contain harmful pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and bird flu, increasing the risk of infection.