In a concerning development, several house cats in Los Angeles County have fallen ill after consuming raw pet food contaminated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. According to a recent announcement by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), traces of the virus were found in Monarch Raw Pet Food sold at various farmers markets across California. One cat has been confirmed positive for bird flu, while four others from the same household are presumed to be infected. This incident marks the second raw pet food-related warning issued in December 2024, following a recall by Northwest Naturals due to a similar case in Oregon.

Detailed Report on the Avian Influenza Incident

In the heart of winter, an alarming situation unfolded in Los Angeles County when multiple felines fell ill after consuming raw pet food. The DPH reported that Monarch Raw Pet Food, available at several local farmers markets, contained traces of the HPAI virus. One cat from a single household tested positive for the virus, and four other cats from the same home, who also consumed the food, are suspected to be infected as well. The company, Monarch Raw Pet Food, responded by emphasizing their commitment to safety and quality, stating that they adhere to strict industry standards and conduct rigorous testing on all ingredients. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of raw pet food products.

The situation is reminiscent of another outbreak earlier in December, where Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based pet food manufacturer, issued a nationwide recall after a cat in Oregon died from eating one of its products. The affected batch was distributed across multiple states in the U.S. and even into British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, confirmed that the indoor cat contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza solely through the consumption of the raw pet food, as genome sequencing showed an exact match between the virus in the food and the infected cat.

This series of events highlights the potential risks associated with raw pet food and underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the pet food industry. Both companies involved have pledged to review their manufacturing processes and collaborate with health professionals to investigate these claims thoroughly.

From a journalist's perspective, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of pet food products. It also raises questions about the broader implications of feeding raw diets to pets and the potential risks it poses to both animal and human health. Consumers should remain informed and cautious when choosing pet food options, especially those that involve raw ingredients. The pet food industry must prioritize transparency and safety to regain public trust in the wake of such incidents.