Bird Flu Warning: LA County Issues Alert Over pet Food
Los angeles County public health officials have issued a stark warning to pet owners: avoid feeding your cats Monarch Raw Pet Food. Recent tests have revealed the presence of avian influenza in the company’s products, prompting immediate concern for feline health.
Monarch Raw Pet Food is sold at various farmers’ markets across California. For a complete list of locations, visit the company’s website: Monarch Raw Pet Food Locations.
the concern stems from the ongoing spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This highly pathogenic strain has been circulating among poultry and wild birds in the U.S. as 2021, and alarmingly, was detected in dairy cows for the first time in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 66 people in the U.S. have contracted H5N1 in the past year, primarily through contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle. for more information on H5N1, visit the CDC website: CDC Avian Influenza Information.
While the LA County health department hasn’t confirmed H5N1 infection in the affected cat, it’s considered the most likely cause. The initial case involved one cat,with four others in the same household showing signs consistent with an H5 virus after consuming Monarch Raw Pet Food. This underscores the potential severity of the situation.
Monarch Raw pet Food offers a variety of products, including ground chicken, chicken feet, and various dehydrated meats. At this time, it remains unclear which specific product(s) are implicated, and whether a recall has been initiated. The company’s website currently lacks any mention of this recent health alert.
The LA County health department urges caution, advising, “Residents who fed their pets Monarch raw pet food products or other raw meat or dairy products and notice their pet is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.” For further inquiries, residents can contact the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473 between 8 a.m.and 8 p.m. Pacific Time. Additional information can be found on the LA County Public Health website: LA county Public Health Avian Influenza Information.
This situation highlights the importance of pet food safety and the potential risks associated with raw pet food. Pet owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and consult their veterinarians with any concerns.
Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw pet Food Kills Cat in Oregon
A concerning outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, has resulted in the death of a domestic cat in Washington County, Oregon, after consuming contaminated raw pet food. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals’ ”2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food” following confirmation of H5N1 contamination. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with feeding pets raw food products.
“The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) recently alerted pet owners that products from another pet food brand — Northwest Naturals — also tested positive for H5N1. The company has voluntarily recalled a product called ‘2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food’ due to the contamination.According to the ODA statement, a house cat in Washington county had died after contracting H5N1 from the food,” the ODA reported.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently confirmed multiple cases of H5N1 in cats, linked to contaminated raw pet food from Raw Farm, LLC. These cases resulted in fatalities. The company’s recalled products included a “raw milk pet food topper” and “pet food kefir.”
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer issued a statement emphasizing the risks: “The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but these confirmed cases of the virus in pet cats are a reminder that consuming raw dairy and meat products can lead to severe illness in cats.” She further urged residents to “avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.”
While no human cases of H5N1 transmission from cats have been reported in either Oregon or Los Angeles County, health officials stress the importance of preventative measures. Symptoms of H5 infection in cats can range from mild lethargy and appetite loss to severe respiratory problems, liver issues, and neurological complications. Veterinarians handling potentially infected animals are advised to use appropriate personal protective equipment.
The incidents highlight the growing concern surrounding the potential for zoonotic diseases to spread through contaminated pet food. Experts recommend pet owners carefully consider the risks associated with raw food diets and prioritize their pet’s health and safety by choosing commercially prepared pet food from reputable sources.
For more information on H5N1 avian influenza and preventative measures, consult your veterinarian or local health department.
