Tragic Loss: California Man’s Cats Die After Drinking Raw Milk Contaminated with Bird Flu
Joseph Journell, a 56-year-old San Bernardino resident, never imagined that his efforts to keep his beloved cats healthy would end in tragedy. two of his cats, Alexander and Tuxsie, died after consuming raw milk contaminated with the H5N1 bird flu virus, while a third, Big Boy, was hospitalized and left with lasting health complications.
The milk, produced by Fresno-based Raw Farm, was part of a batch recalled in December after health officials detected the virus in products sold on California store shelves. Journell, who had been drinking the milk himself for months, believed it had “better immunity and healing properties” than pasteurized milk. He hoped it would help Alexander, his 14-year-old tabby, who had been losing weight.
“I was trying to make him healthier and make him live longer,” Journell said. Instead, Alexander died on Thanksgiving Day, and Tuxsie, a 4-year-old tuxedo cat, passed away two days later.
Big boy, another 4-year-old cat, was hospitalized for a week and treated with antiviral medications. Tests conducted by the U.S. Agriculture Department and Cornell University confirmed he was infected with H5N1. Though he survived,Big Boy returned home blind and unable to use his back legs.A fourth cat, Cleo, did not consume the milk and remained healthy.
Journell’s story highlights the dangers of consuming unpasteurized milk, especially during outbreaks of diseases like bird flu. While Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee disputes that the virus could sicken animals days after bottling, influenza expert Richard Webby of st. Jude Children’s Research Hospital noted that virus survival rates can vary widely in different milk lots.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously confirmed that cats drinking raw milk from infected cows developed neurological disease and died. Journell,represented by Seattle food safety lawyer Ilana Korchia,is seeking compensation from Raw Farm for the more than $12,000 he spent on veterinary care.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with raw milk consumption, notably during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| affected Cats | Alexander (14), Tuxsie (4), Big Boy (4) |
| Outcome | Two cats died, one hospitalized with lasting health issues |
| Source of Contamination | Raw Farm unpasteurized milk |
| Virus Detected | H5N1 bird flu virus |
| Recall Date | December 2024 |
| Owner’s Claim | Seeking $12,000 in compensation for veterinary costs |
Journell’s heartbreaking experience underscores the importance of understanding the risks of raw milk, especially during outbreaks of diseases like bird flu. For more information on the dangers of unpasteurized milk,visit the CDC’s guidelines.
What are your thoughts on the risks of raw milk consumption? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Claims Lives of Cats in California
Table of Contents
A recent outbreak of bird flu in California has taken a tragic toll on pets, with nearly a dozen cats dying after consuming raw milk or raw pet food contaminated with the virus. The infections are part of a larger outbreak affecting dairy cows across the U.S., raising concerns about the safety of unpasteurized products for both humans and animals.“I think the poor cats are the best indicator!” wrote Webby in an email, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The Outbreak and Its Impact
The bird flu virus, which has infected more than 900 dairy herds across 16 states, has hit California particularly hard, with about 80% of affected herds located in the state. Federal and state health officials have issued warnings against consuming raw milk, citing the risk of bird flu and other harmful pathogens.
The FDA has also cautioned pet owners, stating, “Cats should not be fed any products from affected farms if those products have not been thoroughly cooked or pasteurized to kill the virus.”
A Personal Tragedy
One pet owner, Journell, experienced the devastating consequences firsthand. After his cats fell ill, he too became sick and sought care at a Kaiser Permanente hospital in Fontana, Calif. Despite his known exposure to the virus, he was not tested for bird flu becuase the hospital lacked the necessary diagnostic tools.
A Kaiser spokesperson declined to comment on Journell’s specific case but confirmed that the hospital system is adhering to CDC guidelines for screening.
While Journell has physically recovered, he continues to grapple with the “mental anguish” of losing his beloved pets. Despite the ordeal, he still believes in the health benefits of raw milk, though he has no plans to consume it anytime soon.
“Not right now,” he said. “And not in the foreseeable future.”
Key Takeaways
The outbreak underscores the dangers of consuming unpasteurized products, especially during widespread disease outbreaks. Below is a summary of key points:
| Key Information | Details |
|—————————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Number of Cat Deaths | Nearly a dozen in California |
| Affected Dairy Herds | Over 900 across 16 states, with 80% in California |
| Health Warnings | Avoid raw milk and raw pet food; ensure products are pasteurized or cooked |
| FDA Statement | Cats should not consume unpasteurized products from affected farms |
| Human Case | Journell fell ill but was not tested for bird flu due to lack of resources |
Moving Forward
As the bird flu outbreak continues to spread, health officials are urging the public to prioritize safety by avoiding raw milk and other unpasteurized products. For pet owners,the message is clear: ensure that animal diets are free from contaminated ingredients.
The tragic loss of these cats serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human and animal health.As Journell poignantly noted, the ordeal has left an indelible mark, both physically and emotionally.
For more information on the bird flu outbreak and safety guidelines, visit the CDC’s official website.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Claims Lives of Cats in California
A recent outbreak of bird flu in California has taken a tragic toll on pets, with nearly a dozen cats dying after consuming raw milk or raw pet food contaminated with the virus.The infections are part of a larger outbreak affecting dairy cows across the U.S., raising concerns about the safety of unpasteurized products for both humans and animals. To shed light on this critical issue, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary epidemiologist and expert in zoonotic diseases, to discuss the risks, implications, and steps the public can take to protect themselves and their pets.
The Outbreak and Its Impact
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining how the bird flu outbreak has affected both animals and humans, particularly in California?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The current outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has been devastating, particularly for dairy herds in California.Over 900 dairy herds across 16 states have been affected, with California bearing the brunt of the impact. The virus has not only infected cows but has also spread to other animals, including cats, through contaminated raw milk and pet food. This has led to severe illness and, tragically, the deaths of several pets.
Senior Editor: How does the virus spread from cows to cats,and what makes raw milk such a high-risk product?
Dr.Emily Carter: The virus can be present in the milk of infected cows. When cats consume raw milk from these cows, they ingest the virus directly. Raw milk is particularly risky as it hasn’t undergone pasteurization,a process that kills harmful pathogens like the H5N1 virus. Without this step, the virus remains active and can cause severe illness in animals and humans alike.
The Tragic Case of Joseph Journell’s Cats
Senior Editor: One of the most heartbreaking stories to emerge from this outbreak involves Joseph journell, whose cats died after consuming raw milk. Can you walk us through what happened?
Dr. Emily Carter: Certainly. Mr. Journell’s cats, alexander and Tuxsie, died after drinking raw milk contaminated with the H5N1 virus. A third cat, Big Boy, survived but was left with lasting health complications, including blindness and mobility issues. This case highlights the dangers of feeding unpasteurized products to pets, especially during an outbreak. Cats are particularly susceptible to severe neurological symptoms from the virus, which can be fatal.
Senior Editor: What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats, and how can pet owners recognize them?
Dr. Emily Carter: Symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, and neurological issues like seizures or paralysis. If pet owners notice any of these signs,especially if their pets have consumed raw milk or raw pet food,they should seek veterinary care immediately. Early intervention can sometimes make a difference, but prevention is always the best approach.
The Risks of Raw Milk and Unpasteurized Products
Senior Editor: There’s a growing trend of people consuming raw milk for its perceived health benefits. What are your thoughts on this, especially considering the current outbreak?
Dr. Emily Carter: While some people believe raw milk has health benefits, the risks far outweigh any potential advantages. Raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens like E. coli,Salmonella,and now,the H5N1 virus. Pasteurization is a critical step in ensuring the safety of dairy products. During outbreaks like this, the risks are even higher, and I strongly advise against consuming raw milk or feeding it to pets.
Senior Editor: What about raw pet food? Is that equally risky?
Dr. Emily Carter: Yes, raw pet food poses similar risks. It can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, especially if it’s made from ingredients sourced from affected farms. Cooking or pasteurizing pet food eliminates these risks, so I recommend pet owners stick to commercially prepared, cooked diets for their animals.
Moving Forward: Protecting Humans and Animals
Senior Editor: What steps can the public take to protect themselves and their pets during this outbreak?
Dr. Emily Carter: First and foremost, avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products. For pet owners, ensure that any food or treats you give your animals are thoroughly cooked or pasteurized. Stay informed about recalls and advisories from health officials, and if you suspect your pet has been exposed to contaminated products, contact your veterinarian right away. practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling raw food or interacting with animals.
senior editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise. This has been an eye-opening conversation, and I’m sure our readers will find it incredibly valuable.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we raise awareness about these risks to prevent further tragedies.
For more facts on the bird flu outbreak and safety guidelines, visit the CDC’s official website.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson foundation.The AP is solely responsible for all content.
