Los Angeles County Issues Caution: Monarch Raw Pet Food Linked to Bird Flu

Los Angeles County residents have been warned to avoid feeding their cats Monarch Raw Pet Food, following reports that the company’s products are contaminated with bird flu. The advisory comes as the virus continues to pose a threat to both animals and humans.

About the Contaminated Pet Food

Monarch Raw Pet Food is sold at several California farmers markets. You can find the exact locations on the company’s website. This includes a variety of products like ground chicken, chicken feet, and jerky made from dehydrated chicken hearts.

The Current Bird Flu Situation in the U.S.

A strain of bird flu, particularly H5N1, has been spreading among poultry and wild birds since 2021. In 2024, this virus was detected in dairy cows for the first time. According to the CDC, H5N1 has affected at least 66 people in the U.S. this year, primarily those who had close contact with infected dairy cows or poultry.

Confirming the Case in Cats

In Los Angeles County, a cat was found to have tested positive for an H5 virus after consuming Monarch Raw Pet Food. Four other cats in the same household are also presumed to have been infected. Although the specific strain of bird flu is not confirmed, H5N1 is the most likely suspect.

Symptoms to Watch For

Owners who fed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food or other raw meat or dairy products should watch for signs of H5 infection. Symptoms in cats can vary from mild to severe and may include loss of appetite, fatigue, liver issues, respiratory problems, and potentially deadly neurological symptoms.

If your pet shows these signs, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. Vets treating possibly infected cats should take precautions and wear personal protective equipment, as the virus can spread through bodily fluids.

Previous Cases of H5 in Pets

This is not the first instance of bird flu in Los Angeles County cats. Earlier in December, four cats fed Raw Farm, LLC. products were confirmed to have H5N1, leading to a product recall of raw milk pet food toppings and kefir. Officials are still investigating for any additional cases.

Health Department Recommendations

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Department, suggests limiting contact with sick or dead animals and reporting any such instances to the authorities.

“Pet owners should also keep their pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds to reduce the risk of infection,” Dr. Ferrer emphasized.

Other Pet Food Brands Recalled

Similar warnings have emerged from other states. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) recently issued a recall of Northwest Naturals’ “2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food” after a cat in Washington County died from H5N1 contracted from the product.

H5 and Human Safety

It’s important to note that there are currently no confirmed cases of birds or cats transmitting H5 viruses to humans. Nonetheless, the health warnings underscore the importance of cautious handling of raw pet food and prompt veterinary care if any unusual symptoms appear.

Protecting Your Pets

Here are some steps you can take to protect your pets from H5 infections:

• Avoid feeding raw meat or dairy products to your pets.
• Limit your pets’ contact with wildlife.
• Report any sick or dead birds in your area to local authorities.
• Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly if you notice unusual symptoms in your pets.

For more information, you can visit the LA County Public Health website.

Take Action

Stay informed about any new developments regarding pet food and animal health. Share this information with fellow pet owners to ensure everyone can protect their feline companions.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

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