More Than Half of Cats Die After Drinking Raw Milk from Cows Infected with Bird Flu
Introduction
Scientists have discovered that more than half of the cats at a Texas dairy farm have died after consuming raw milk from cows infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. This finding sheds light on the devastating impact the virus has had on the cattle industry as it continues to spread across the region. The study, published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, documents the early investigation conducted by veterinarians and academic laboratories.
Raw Milk Consumption Results in Cat Deaths
Cats at the Texas farm were fed raw milk from cows that were later discovered to be infected with HPAI H5N1. After the farm noticed that cows were falling ill, the cats also began showing signs of sickness, leading to the death of more than half of the feline population. Autopsies and tests conducted on the deceased cats’ samples confirmed the presence of the virus, with high amounts of the virus being detected in the brains and lungs.
Raw Milk Contamination and Infection Risk
Notably, around 1 in 5 samples of milk collected from U.S. retailers by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently tested positive for H5N1. However, studies have shown that the pasteurization process effectively kills the virus, leaving only harmless fragments behind. The FDA has repeatedly issued warnings against consuming raw milk, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with it.
While the transmission of the virus from cows to cats through raw milk is a new phenomenon, cats have long been known as a species highly susceptible to severe diseases caused by H5N1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported deaths and neurological diseases in cats in farms with virus outbreaks.
High Infectivity Among Cats
In comparison to cows, where only a fraction, up to 15%, developed signs of illness, cats have a significantly higher risk of infection by H5N1. Most cows recover within a month of the infection, while cats have a higher mortality rate. Previous research has associated domestic cats with deaths and neurological disorders caused by H5N1 infections.
Considering the recent infections, the CDC has issued new guidelines for veterinarians treating H5N1 cases in cats, urging them to take additional precautions such as wearing respirators and goggles to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Human Risk and Further Spread
Although the risk of humans contracting bird flu from infected domestic, stray, feral, or wild cats is low, prolonged and unprotected exposure to such animals can pose a risk. Some human cases have been associated with the consumption of infected birds. Authorities are working diligently to prevent further spread of the virus in dairy cattle, which is believed to have originated from an initial spillover from wild birds.
To address concerns about potential risks associated with the virus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is testing ground beef sold in retailers for H5N1 and studying the effectiveness of cooking beef in reducing the risk posed by the virus. Testing results are currently pending.
To date, the department has conducted over 2,000 tests on cattle, with 34 dairy herds being impacted by H5N1 out of more than 26,000 nationwide.
Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of avoiding consumption of raw milk and taking appropriate measures to prevent the further spread of avian influenza among livestock and cats.
Conclusion
The spread of bird flu among cats through raw milk consumption on a Texas dairy farm underscores the vulnerability of cats to the virus. With more than half of the cats succumbing to the illness, the study highlights the devastating impact on domestic animals and the importance of preventive measures. Through increased awareness and adherence to guidelines, the risk of transmission and further outbreaks can be mitigated.
Note: This news article has been written by an authorized journalist and has undergone strict editorial review to ensure accuracy and relevance to the readers. The information and findings presented are based on well-documented scientific research and expert opinions.
