The CDC says that the first human bird flu death has been reported in Louisiana. There are 66 confirmed human cases of the H5N1 virus so far in the United States as of January 6, 2025. The person who died was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. That person had contact with non-commercial backyard flocks and wild birds. This virus can cause severe illness and death, however, this is the first person who has died from an H5 infection in this country. In other countries, more than 950 cases of human bird flu infections have been reported to the World Health Organization. About half of those people have died. The CDC is assessing the risk to the general public and states that it remains low. No person to person … [Read more...]
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans and Domestic Pets
The bird flu outbreak has killed millions of wild birds and domestic poultry. The virus has spread to dairy cows, cats, dogs, goat kids, bears, foxes, seals, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, mice, rabbits, minks, and other wild animals, as well as humans. Avoiding contact with sick animals is the first measure of prevention. But you should also know the symptoms of bird flu in humans to protect yourself and your family. The CDC has released details of symptoms of bird flu in humans. Symptoms usually begin two to seven days after exposure to a sick animal; the average is three days. The first symptoms usually include eye irritation and redness. Some people may have a mild fever, cough, and sore throat. A runny nose or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue , and muscle of body aches … [Read more...]
FDA Starts Sampling Raw Milk Aged Cheese For H5N1 Bird Flu
The FDA has started sampling raw milk aged cheese for possible H5N1 bird flu contamination, given that dairy cows have tested positive for the virus. This testing will determine whether viable H5N1 virus is present in the cheese, and whether the FDA will need to take follow up actions to address this issue. An outbreak of H5N1 in many states triggered this assignment. The FDA is working with the USDA, the CDC, and state partners to investigate and respond to this outbreak. So far, wild birds, domesticated poultry, dairy cows, cats, and people have been sickened by this virus. Raw milk cheese is made with unpasteurized milk. This cheese must be aged for a minimum of 60 days to mitigate the risk from pathogens. Raw Farm raw milk has been recalled in California for possible bird flu … [Read more...]
LA County Warns Against Feeding Monarch Raw Pet Food
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning the public to not feed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food after the bird flu virus was found in the product. The food was sold at several farmers markets in California. You can see a list of the farmers markets where the pet food was sold at the Monarch web site. There is no mention of this issue on the Monarch site. A house cat that ate the food has been confirmed sick with the H5 bird flu. Four other house cats from the same household are presumed to be positive for the virus after eating this product. Public health officials found the virus in product samples. Cats infected with H5 bird flu can develop severe illness that may include neurologic signs, respiratory signs, or liver disease that can rapidly progress to … [Read more...]
Northwest Naturals Raw Frozen Pet Food Recalled For Bird Flu
Northwest Naturals Raw Frozen Pet Food is being recalled for possible bird flu contamination. One case of a domestic cat illness has been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalling firm is Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon. The recalled product is Northwest Naturals brand Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food that is packaged in 2 pound containers. The product tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) virus. The best by dates for this item are 5/21/26 B10 and 6/23/26 B1. The food was sold through distributors in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington in the United States. It was also sold in … [Read more...]
Raw Pet Food May Be Contaminated With the Bird Flu Virus
The County of Los Angeles Public Health is warning the public to not feed their cats and dogs raw pet food because it may be contaminated with the bird flu virus. Northwest Naturals raw frozen pet food is contaminated with the H5N1 virus and is being recalled. The product has been recalled. It is Northwest Naturals Brand Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food that is packaged 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Pet owners are urged to immediately dispose of the product. If your pet ate this product and is showing signs of illness, see your veterinarian immediately. Public Health recently confirmed H5 bird flu in four house cats that consumed recalled Raw Farm raw milk and became sick and died. Cats infected with H5 bird … [Read more...]
Governor Newsom Strengthens State Response to Bird Flu
California Governor Newsom has strengthened the state response to bird flu. That virus has sickened animals and some people in sixteen states across the country. The governor said in a statement, "This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus." Bird flu has affected poultry farms, backyard flocks, and … [Read more...]
Two Cats Die of Bird Flu After Drinking Raw Farm Raw Milk
Two cats have died of possible bird flu infections after drinking Raw Farm raw milk that has been recalled. That farm is located in California, according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department. The indoor cats consumed the raw milk before they got sick. Symptoms included lack of appetite, fever, and neurological signs. The cats died, and testing was positive for influenza A, a rare result in cats. The nationwide Influenza A-H5N1 bird flu outbreak has seen other cats infected with the virus after consuming infected raw milk. People who had direct contact with the cats have been offered antiviral prophylaxis. There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats. The investigation is ongoing. Although human cases of bird flu are rare, … [Read more...]
Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Milk Recalled in CA For Bird Flu
Valley Milk Simply Bottled raw milk is being recalled in California for possible bird flu contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The dairy is located in Stanislaus county. After a positive test in the raw milk, the California Department of Food and Agriculture put the milk under a quarantine order and issued the recall. The bird flu strain is Influenza-A H5N1. The recalled product is all Valley Milk Simply Bottled raw cow milk and DESI Milk raw cow milk. The milk was distributed in quart (32 ounce), half gallon (64 ounce), and one gallon (128 ounce) plastic jugs. The code date numbers stamped on the container are DEC 23 2024 through DEC 30 2024. If you purchased this milk you are strongly urged not to consume … [Read more...]
Raw Farm Raw Milk and Cream Recall For Bird Flu Expanded
The Raw Farm raw milk and cream recall for possible bird flu contamination has been expanded, according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department. There have been "multiple detections of H5 bird flu virus" in the company's milk and dairy cows over the past week. This is the second expansion of the original recall. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of these products. The original recall was issued on November 25, 2024. And a second lot of raw milk was recalled on November 29, 2024. All sizes of raw whole milk and cream products that were produced after November 9, 2024 are included in this recall. Public health officials identified the bird flu virus in retail products from Raw Farm, LLC last week. Additional testing by the … [Read more...]
