Alarming Bird Flu Outbreak in LA Cats Linked to Raw Pet Food

Residents of Los Angeles County are facing a dire warning regarding the safety of their feline companions after it was discovered that pet cats are contracting bird flu from a specific brand of raw food. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health has advised against feeding Monarch Raw Pet Food products, which have tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus.

Monarch Raw Pet Food, which is available at various farmers' markets throughout California, has been flagged after a pet cat that consumed the food tested positive for an H5 strain of the avian influenza virus, according to a troubling statement issued by health officials. The H5 virus group comprises various strains of bird flu, with H5N1 being the most notorious due to its impact on both animal and human health.

In 2024, H5N1 made headlines by spreading from birds to dairy cows for the first time ever in the U.S. The situation escalated as approximately 66 people in the country were recently infected with this virus, with most cases linked to direct contact with infected poultry or affected livestock.

While it is not confirmed that the infected cat had H5N1, it is considered the most likely cause given the circumstances. Notably, four other cats in the same household are presumed to have been infected after consuming the same pet food. Symptoms of H5 infections in felines can include serious issues such as appetite loss, fatigue, liver damage, respiratory problems, and even severe neurological effects.

Monarch Raw Pet Food offers a range of products, including ground chicken and various chicken-based treats. Currently, health authorities have not identified a specific product responsible for the infections nor have they issued a recall. The company's website does not address the situation at this time, raising concerns among pet owners.

Pet owners are strongly urged to monitor their pets for any unusual symptoms and to consult their veterinarians if their cats have eaten Monarch’s products or any raw meat or dairy items. The health department has opened a Public Health InfoLine specifically to address concerns from local residents.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first instance of bird flu affecting cats in LA. Earlier in December, four cats were reported dead after consuming products from Raw Farm, LLC, a brand whose offerings included raw milk pet food and other items that have been recalled due to H5N1 contamination. The LA County health officials are currently investigating this troubling trend.

The director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Barbara Ferrer, emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “These confirmed cat cases remind us that raw meat and dairy products can pose serious health risks for pets.” She further advised the public to refrain from feeding their pets raw dairy or undercooked meats, minimize contact with sick or deceased animals, and report findings of sick or dead birds to local authorities.

In a related case, the Oregon Department of Agriculture recently issued a warning to pet owners after detecting H5N1 in products from Northwest Naturals, which led to the voluntary recall of their "2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food." This situation continues to evolve, with a reported case of a house cat in Washington County succumbing to the virus.

As of now, health officials confirm that there have been no reports of humans contracting H5 viruses from cats. However, pet owners are cautioned to exercise vigilance as the threat of bird flu looms larger, serving as a wake-up call for all pet lovers to reconsider the risks of feeding their pets raw food.

Stay informed and protect your furry friends — the health of your pets may depend on it!