Tragic Loss: Cats on Texas Dairy Farm Succumb to Bird Flu
In a heartbreaking turn of events on a Texas dairy farm, a group of cats met a tragic fate after consuming raw milk from dairy cows infected with bird flu, as revealed in a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Initial Symptoms and Rapid Decline
The felines exhibited initial signs of illness after ingesting unpasteurized colostrum and milk from cows found to be carrying the virus. These symptoms included a downturn in mental state, stiff movements, impaired coordination, loss of sight, repetitive circling, and excessive discharge from the eyes and nose, according to the report.
During examinations, the cats also displayed neurological abnormalities, indicating the severity of their condition.
Alarming Mortality Rate
Out of a group of 24 cats exposed to the raw milk from infected cows, nearly half tragically perished between March 19 and March 20, underscoring the swift and devastating impact of the virus.
Speedy Onset of Illness
Most of the affected cats showed signs of sickness within just two to three days after coming into contact with the contaminated milk.
Confirmation of HPAI H5N1 Virus
Tissue samples taken from two of the deceased cats tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus on March 21, providing concrete evidence of the source of their illness.
Identifying the Likely Route of Exposure
While the possibility of exposure to deceased wild birds cannot be entirely discounted, the report suggests that milk and colostrum from infected cows serve as the primary mode of transmission for the virus, shedding light on the tragic chain of events that led to the untimely demise of these innocent felines.
