H5N1 Confirmed In Bulk Storage In Raw Farm's Bottling Facility

[niman]

“CDFA dairy inspectors sampled milk from bottled products and bulk milk storage at Raw Farm’s bottling facility on Wednesday, Nov 27, and laboratory test results made known on November 28 showed the presence of the bird flu virus. All milk tested by CDFA remained at the Raw Farm plant and was not released to consumers.”

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/health/raw-farm-raw-milk-products-distribution-suspended-california/index.html

[niman]

California suspends distribution of Raw Farm raw milk products after bird flu detection

By Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN

 3 minute read 

Published 2:33 PM EST, Mon December 2, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture suspended the distribution of Raw Farm's raw milk products after bird flu was detected in samples of the milk. 

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

CNN — 

Distribution of Raw Farm raw milk products has been suspended after bird flu virus was found in milk samples, the California Department of Food and Agriculture said.

“All Raw Farm operations are currently under quarantine, from herds to bottled product, which means that all raw milk product distribution is suspended,” Steve Lyle, director of public affairs for the agency, said in a statement on Monday.

“CDFA dairy inspectors sampled milk from bottled products and bulk milk storage at Raw Farm’s bottling facility on Wednesday, Nov 27, and laboratory test results made known on November 28 showed the presence of the bird flu virus. All milk tested by CDFA remained at the Raw Farm plant and was not released to consumers.”

 

Related articleMore testing underway after another California raw milk recall due to bird flu virus

Federal, state and county officials are continuing to investigate, Lyle said.

California health officials previously warned consumers not to drink two lots of recalled Raw Farm products — lot code 20241119 with a best-by date of 12/07/2024 and lot code 20241109 with a best-by date of November 27 — after testing identified bird flu virus in the milk.

In information sent to CNN, Raw Farm said products from before state testing may still be on store shelves but no new supply will be added until the quarantine is lifted. There are no signs of symptoms of bird flu in the dairy herd, it said.

“Our hard-working dairy team is working in full cooperation with the state to maintain regulatory compliance,” Raw Farm posted on Instagram. “There will be supply shortages and we apologies for [this] inconvenience.”

 

As bird flu has spread among poultry and cattle in the US this year, raw milk has seen a new wave of interest and some high-profile supporters, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Raw milk was on a laundry list of items that faced “aggressive suppression” by the US Food and Drug Administration, Kennedy said in a post on X in October. In a fact sheet shared with CNN on Monday, Raw Farm said its CEO, Mark McAfee, “has been asked by the RFK transition team to apply for the position of ‘FDA advisor on Raw Milk Policy and Standards Development.’ ” CNN has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.

Pasteurized milk goes through a heating process that kills harmful bacteria. Raw milk is not pasteurized and can carry disease-causing pathogens such as listeria, campylobacter, salmonella, E. coli and bird flu virus, according to the California Department of Public Health. Anyone can get sick from raw milk, but children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become ill. Past outbreaks linked to consumption of raw milk or raw milk products involved miscarriages, still births, kidney failure and deaths.

According to the FDA, there’s no scientific evidence that raw milk helps with illnesses or allergies, and it’s not allowed to be sold between states. In June, the agency urged states to warn the public more strongly about the dangers of raw milk and to use their regulatory authorities to stop the sale of raw milk in areas where dairy herds have tested positive for H5N1.

No cases of bird flu have been linked to the milk but the state has said it’s investigating links between bird flu in raw milk and the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry and humans.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 55 human cases of bird flu in 2024, including 29 in California. Most are linked to farm workers who have been in contact with sick animals.

Bird flu symptoms in humans include typical flu-like symptoms such as eye redness, sore throat, runny nose, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, fatigue, trouble swallowing or fever. Anyone who has consumed raw milk products and notices symptoms should alert their health care provider or local health department immediately, California’s health department said.

[niman]

California reports H5N1 in more retail raw milk as virus infects 2 more dairy workers

Lisa Schnirring

 

 

Today at 3:47 p.m.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on November 27 warned residents about a second batch of raw milk on retail shelves that has tested positive for avian flu virus, as official await the results from the latest bulk milk tank testing on the farm in Fresno County that produces the products.

In other developments, the CDPH reported two more infections in dairy workers, raising the state's human cases this year to 31, all but 1 involving exposure to sick cows. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed those 2 new cases, pushing the national total this year to 55. In its latest FluView update, the CDC said the two new cases from California both involve people ages 18 and older who had mild symptoms, which they reported to local health officials.

Also, federal officials confirmed more H5N1 avian flu outbreaks on California dairy farms as well as at poultry facilities in three states.

More testing planned, distribution halted at raw milk producer

News of a second contaminated raw milk batch came 3 days after California announced the first positive test in retail raw milk sold by Raw Farms, based in Fresno, which is part of the Central Valley region that has been the epicenter of the state's dairy farm outbreaks since late August.

For both batches, the positives in retail raw milk was the result of testing at the Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory. As with the first batch, the company has voluntarily recalled the second batch of raw milk. No known human illnesses have been reported.

The CDPH said officials from the California Department of Agriculture were at Raw Farm's processing facility on November 27 to collect more samples of stored bulk tank milk and bottled milk, and test results are pending. California is among the states that has been regularly testing raw milk in bulk tanks.

The Los Angeles Times reported that although county health department testing of retail samples was positive, state testing hadn't detected the virus via its bulk milk testing. It also said state officials on November 28 banned Raw Farm from distributing its raw milk products.

The farm's owner also told the Times that follow-up tests at the farm on November 27 were positive for the virus.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in its warnings about the contaminated raw milk has been tracking outlets in its jurisdiction that have sold milk from Raw Farms. Last week, it listed 10 retailers and said more would likely be added as its investigation continues.

On November 27, it posted an update that listed 49 locations, mostly Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the county. It urged residents to avoid drinking the recalled milk and to return any remaining product to the retailer.

More California dairy farms, poultry facilities in 6 states hit

In updates since November 27, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 14 more H5N1 outbreaks in dairy cattle, all involving California herds. The latest additions push the state's total to 475 and the national total to 689 across 15 states.

Also, APHIS confirmed more H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in six states. All involve commercial farms. In California, the virus struck poultry farms in three counties—a duck breeder and a broiler facility housing more than 266,000 birds in Fresno County, a turkey farm in Merced County, and a commercial hatchery in Tulare County. 

In Minnesota, the virus hit two more turkey farms in Meeker County, one of which has nearly 242,000 birds.

Similar outbreaks were confirmed at turkey farms in North Dakota (Ransom County), South Dakota (Beadle and Faulk counties), and Utah (Sanpete County).

In the south, the virus was confirmed at a broiler farm in Tennessee's Gibson County that houses 37,200 birds. The outbreak is Tennessee's first since October 2023.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/california-reports-h5n1-more-retail-raw-milk-virus-infects-2-more-dairy

[niman]

 

California suspends company’s sale of raw milk after new outbreak of bird flu

Katie Hawkinson

Mon, December 2, 2024 at 5:26 PM EST

3 min read

1

Raw milk pictured on sale in Temecula, California. A raw milk producer in California can no longer distribute its products after its animals tested positive for the bird flu (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

 

California state officials have suspended a company’s sales of raw milk to retailers amid ongoing concerns about bird flu.

Raw milk sales by Raw Farm, located in Fresno, was blocked from distributing its raw dairy products as of Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported. However, their products already on shelves can still be sold, according to the newspaper.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture are now investigating.

 

 

“All Raw Farm operations are currently under quarantine, from herds to bottled product, which means that all raw milk product distribution is suspended,” a spokesperson for the department said in a statement to The Independent.

The Independent has contacted Raw Farm for comment.

On Sunday the state’s Department of Public Health warned residents against drinking the batch of cream top, whole raw milk from Fresno County’s Raw Farm LLC and advised consumers to return the product to where it was purchased. Raw Farm LLC has issued a voluntary recall of the affected lot code 20241109.

A Raw Farm batch bottled on November 9 was also recalled, the Times reported.

 

 

The sales suspension comes amid contradictory bird flu test results this month. County public health officials were finding bird flu in raw milk bought at stores, while state officials weren’t finding the virus in bulk tests, the Times reports. A new round of tests on Raw Farm products turned up positive Wednesday, and officials suspended sales.

Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee told the Times that his cows are indeed infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. He said he wasn’t aware of it until this week, however, because the cows are “so healthy that they don’t show the classic signs or symptoms.”

The Fresno County-based Raw Farm issued a voluntary recall of a batch of raw milk this month (California Department of Public Health)

The sales suspension comes as human cases of dangerous H5N1 bird flu have risen across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there were 55 cases across seven states as of Friday. The majority of the cases are in California.

The agency reported the first avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the US last week. The child’s condition is still unclear.

The uptick in bird flu comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, continues to tout the consumption of raw milk. Kennedy has pledged that what he characterized as the “aggressive suppression” of raw milk is about to end and revealed he drinks raw milk.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a proponent of raw milk (AFP via Getty Images)

Scientists have warned in recent days that the virus may be more widespread than previously believed.

“We are in a soup of virus. I mean, there’s virus everywhere around us at this point,” Dr. Marcela Uhart, a wildlife veterinarian with the University of Cal-Davis’ One Health Institute,  said earlier this month. “This virus is circulating left and right in mammals and in birds, as far as we can tell, some of them are not showing any signs of disease.”

 

 

The virus is spread to humans via several pathways. Farm workers can inhale infected particles, pick up germs from sick animals and other surfaces and then touch their faces and eyes. Consumers can also get it by drinking raw cow’s milk.

Those who have had no contact with infected poultry or other sources of contamination are likely at very low risk of infection. No infections have been reported from eating properly cooked poultry or poultry products or proper handling of poultry meat.

With reporting from Julia Musto

[niman]

Raw risk assessment

Raw milk producer optimistic after being shut down for bird flu detection

A second lot of milk was recalled after testing of retail products came back positive.

Beth Mole – Dec 3, 2024 7:15 AM |  7

 

Credit: Raw Farm

Bird flu has landed on a California farm that shuns virus-killing pasteurization, leading to a second recall of raw milk and a suspension of operations at the company, Raw Farm in Fresno County.

According to a November 27 alert by the California health department, officials in Santa Clara County found evidence of bird flu virus in retail samples of a batch of Raw Farm's milk, which has been recalled. It is the second time that retail testing has turned up positive results for the company and spurred a recall. The first contaminated batch was reported on November 24. The two recalled batches are those with lot codes 20241109 ("Best By" date of November 27, 2024) and 20241119 (Best By date of December 7, 2024).

In an email to Ars on Monday, Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee said that none of the company's cows are visibly sick but that it appears that asymptomatic cows are shedding the avian influenza virus.

After the first recall, a representative for Raw Farm said in a video posted to its YouTube account that the risk of bird flu was "not a big deal." In the email on Monday, McAfee seemed to suggest the same.

Risky arguments

McAfee shared documents arguing that bird flu-contaminated raw milk does not pose a risk. One document was said to contain responses from "ChatGBT" that suggested that bioactive components of raw milk could inactivate influenza viruses. However, the chatbot responses also noted that "inactivation of flu viruses in raw milk specifically hasn’t been extensively studied" and raw milk "carries a risk of bacterial contamination."

Multiple studies have found that raw milk from cows infected with bird flu can contain high levels of the live, infectious virus.

The testing on Raw Farm's milk so far involved PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a test that detects genetic fragments of the virus. PCR tests can't determine if the genetic fragments are from live viruses or dead ones. McAfee insists that the tests were picking up an inactivated virus. Tests that detect infectious viruses are now being done, and results are expected in the coming days.

 

"We are shut down due to testing results showing DEAD VIRUS PIECES in some of our samples. Nothing alive," McAfee said, despite the fact that testing for live virus is still pending. "We are testing and will have more data soon," he added.

Another document McAfee sent was an assessment from Margaret E. (Peg) Coleman, a microbiologist and raw milk advocate, who argues, among other things, that there is a lack of evidence of milk-borne transmission of bird flu viruses, specifically high pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI). That includes H5N1, an HPAI that is currently causing an unprecedented nationwide outbreak in US dairy cattle.

Human infections

On this point, Coleman isn't wrong. The outbreak of H5N1, which was declared in March, is the first time an HPAI has been detected in US cows. And the outbreak has been like no other seen anywhere in the world before. As such, there are many questions and unknowns about the risk the dairy outbreak poses to humans, including whether people can be infected with the virus by drinking high levels of it in milk.

To date, no human infections have been linked to Raw Farm's raw milk.

However, real-world evidence from H5N1 infections in dairy workers strongly indicates that people can become infected from milk. To date, at least 34 dairy workers in the US have developed H5N1 infections after working with infected cows. The workers' infections are largely thought to occur via milk, including from having milk splashed in their eyes or touching their faces with milk-contaminated hands. One of the most common symptoms among dairy workers is conjunctivitis, aka pink eye.

In its alert last week, the California health department warned that while pasteurization effectively kills bird flu, raw milk consumers are at risk of the virus, writing:

"Drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to illness. In addition, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection. Symptoms of bird flu infection in humans include eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing and fever. Anyone who has consumed these specific [Raw Farm] products, and is experiencing these symptoms, should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department."

Raw milk’s future

Still, amid the bird flu risk, advocates of raw milk have only fortified their support for the beverage, which has no proven health benefits and carries various infectious disease risks. In his email to Ars, McAfee sent a third document, a "press package," that said the company is optimistic that raw milk will soon become more accepted. (The document also says that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an influenza virus. That is false. SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus.)

According to the document, anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, who Trump has picked to be the US health secretary, is a Raw Farm customer. (Kennedy has previously stated he is a raw milk drinker.) Further, Raw Farm says that McAfee "has been asked by the RFK transition team to apply for the position of 'FDA advisor on Raw Milk Policy and Standards Development.'"

"With RFK being appointed to head the [Department of Health and Human Services] ... it is certain that decades old FDA anti-raw-milk policies will shift soon," the Raw Farm document reads. "Raw Farm is the largest producer of raw milk in the world and stands at the battlefront of this transitional event. Our friends in the regulatory community privately share that recent raw milk pressures are intense and immense."

 

Beth Mole Senior Health Reporter

Beth is Ars Technica’s Senior Health Reporter. Beth has a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended the Science Communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She specializes in covering infectious diseases, public health, and microbes.

https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/12/raw-milk-producer-optimistic-after-being-shut-down-for-bird-flu-detection/

 

ADVERTISING

[niman]

In his email to Ars, McAfee sent a third document, a "press package," that said the company is optimistic that raw milk will soon become more accepted. (The document also says that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an influenza virus. That is false. SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus.)

[niman]

Raw Farms founder, Mark McAfee, said the state has placed his dairy under quarantine, meaning he’s not allowed to move any cattle off his property or sell any of his popular brand of raw milk products. The only exception is raw milk cheese made before the quarantine was enacted on Thanksgiving day. It is unclear how long the quarantine will remain in effect. Officials with the California Department of Food and Agriculture could not be reached for comment Monday.

Read more at: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article296444839.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

 

McAfee is allowed to sell milk from his 1,800-cow dairy to a processor who will pasteurize it and use it in different products, including milk or cheese. Pasteurization is used in conventional milk production to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses, including avian flu.

The temporary shut down comes at a critical time for McAfee, whose dairy was reporting record sales of raw milk, despite warnings from state and federal health officials about the dangers of drinking raw milk.

One Raw Farm’s fan said she was lucky to find their raw milk at her Sprouts Farmers Market store in the East Bay area. McAfee said the state allowed him to sell any existing product still in the stores.

Read more at: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article296444839.html#storylink=cpy

Edited December 3 by niman

[niman]

No extra charge for the H5N1

[niman]

Health

03 December 2024

California Cracks Down On Raw Milk Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

Health officials suspend sales of contaminated raw milk and warn consumers of potential risks

California is grappling with growing concerns over bird flu contamination linked to raw milk products. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently announced the suspension of operations for Raw Farm LLC, based in Fresno County, after bird flu was detected during routine testing. This situation has raised alarms within public health circles, prompting heightened scrutiny and advisories for consumers.

The health warning centers around cream-top whole raw milk from Raw Farm, following the identification of bird flu virus samples found at retail locations. Officials urge consumers not to drink the affected products, emphasizing the risks unpasteurized milk poses. "Out of abundance of caution, and due to the virus's continued spread among avian populations, it’s best to avoid any raw milk from affected batches," stated health representatives.

Despite no reported human illnesses stemming from this specific contamination, state health officials are taking proactive measures to prevent potential cases. Testing for the H5N1 bird flu is ramping up, with CDFA’s inspectors collecting samples from bulk tanks and bottled products. The urgency is underscored by the fact California has seen the highest number of human cases related to bird flu within the United States, with many connected to exposure from infected dairy cattle.

The Chief of the Biological Control Division, Steve Lyle, confirmed, "We have quarantined all operations at Raw Farm, which means all distribution of its raw milk products is halted. We're taking this matter very seriously." There have been calls for immediate action as the dairy industry faces pressures from this alarming situation.

Adding to the controversy, among those endorsing the safety of raw milk is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who has been vocal about the benefits of raw milk consumption, faces skepticism due to the current public health risks. On social media, he emphasized the nutritional advantages of raw milk, rallying support from proponents who echo his sentiments.

Unfortunately, the science paints a different picture. Public health experts and organizations like the CDC have continuously warned against consuming raw milk. Research indicates raw milk products carry risks of serious illness from pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella. A distinct challenge arises when considering the potential presence of bird flu issues within dairy operations, particularly as the H5N1 strain has not only affected birds but has potentially crossed over to livestock.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, pointed out, "Unpasteurized milk should be approached with skepticism, especially amid rising reports of zoonotic diseases, which may include various strains of influenza. When we’re talking about food safety, pasteurization is not just preferable; it’s necessary." With various dairy farms affected, the prevalence of H5N1 has confirmed its presence across multiple states, with California reporting over 475 outbreaks. Their concentrated nature raises fears local consumers might unknowingly consume contaminated dairy products.

Many health experts echo similar warnings as testing continues to yield results. The situation is compounded by the movement advocating for raw milk and its reputed health benefits. Consumers may find themselves caught between alluring marketing strategies and public health realities. The state's CDPH has urged those who may still possess Raw Farm products to return them to retailers for refunds. Meanwhile, pasteurized milk remains the safer alternative enjoying broad support from health authorities.

The health department cautioned, "While no confirmed human cases associated with the Raw Farm products have been identified, consumers should be aware of the serious risks connected to unpasteurized milk." Interested citizens are encouraged to monitor updates from the CDPH and opt for pasteurized dairy to safeguard against health threats.

Raw Farm, addressing supply chain interruptions stemming from the voluntary recall, released statements indicating it is cooperating fully with state investigations. Aaron McAfee, president of Raw Farm, acknowledged the inconvenience caused to consumers but emphasized his team's dedication to regulatory compliance. “We are committed to transparency and will keep our customers updated throughout this process,” he stated via social media.

Public health officials continue to investigate the extent of the situation, ensuring thorough testing protocols are enforced to safeguard consumer health. The suspension of Raw Farm’s operations signals the need for strict adherence to safety standards, particularly as the public remains alert to the risks associated with raw milk consumption.

Authorities state they will maintain regular testing of dairy products, particularly following this incident. The invasive approach aims to restore consumer confidence and uphold food safety regulations. Meanwhile, the larger issue of raw milk advocacy remains under scrutiny as new health concerns surface, potentially affecting legislative discussions around the sale and consumption of unpasteurized milk.

Overall, consumers are reminded to prioritize their health and safety. The risk of foodborne illnesses can be minimized through proper food handling and product choice, particularly during times of heightened public health concern. Educated decisions can mean the difference between health and illness, driving home the importance of choosing pasteurized over raw as the situation evolves.

https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/california-cracks-down-on-raw-milk-amid-bird-flu-outbreak-74956

[niman]

Raw Farm Bottling machine

[niman]

Nine H5N1 B3.13 cat sequences from 1 farm in Idaho (California H5N1 reportedly introduced via cows shipped to Idaho and returned)

Speciman source for each cat sequence listed below = individual cow milk

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-001/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-002/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-003/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-004/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-005/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-006/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-007/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-008/2024 | 05/07/24

A/cat/Idaho/24-013710-009/2024 | 05/07/24

[niman]

Message ID:  2216	Public Message	Priority:  Advisory
Idaho Health Alert Network Health Message Details
From:   Health District 3 - Southwest District Health (PHD3) Sent:   5/31/2024 4:09:17 PM To:   District Director (PHD3), Epidemiologist (PHD3), Family Health Director (PHD3), Community Health Director (PHD3), Environmental Health Director (PHD3), Public Information Officer (PHD3), Veterinarian (PHD3) Subject:   Recognition, Testing, and Management of Avian Influenza in Potentially Exposed Cats- Updated for improved legibility
PHIN Specific Data
Severity:	Moderate		Delivery Time:	15 Minutes
PHIN Status:	Actual		Message Type:	Alert
Sensitivity:	Non Sensitive		Acknowledgement:	No
HEALTH ALERT NETWORK HEALTH DISTRICT 3 Guidance for Veterinarians Recognition, Testing, and Management of Avian Influenza in Potentially Exposed Cats  May 31, 2024 Avian influenza A(H5N1) has been detected in cats on farms affected by an ongoing outbreak in dairy cows and backyard bird flocks. Since April 1, 2024, avian influenza A(H5N1) has been confirmed in Idaho dairy cows located on eight dairy farms, in Cassia, Jerome, and Minidoka counties, and in four backyard flocks in Cassia and Jerome counties. Nationally, two human cases have been detected in dairy workers, one each in Texas and Michigan. Infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus belonging to Gs/GD lineage, clade 2.3.4.4b Eurasian-origin have been reported in birds in the United States since 2021. These viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory waterfowl and domestic poultry and infrequently affect mammals. Veterinarians are advised to consider avian influenza A(H5N1) in cats with respiratory, neurologic, or enteric signs that have potentially been exposed to the virus.   Avian influenza A(H5N1) in cats Avian influenza A(H5N1) primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals. Exposure of cats to avian influenza A(H5N1) usually occurs through consuming infected birds or other animals, or being in environments contaminated with the virus. In the current outbreak, consumption of unpasteurized milk from infected cows is thought to be another possible route of exposure. Spread from mammal to mammal is thought to be rare. Cat-to-cat transmission through respiratory secretions has occurred experimentally. The incubation period is one to two days, with virus shedding in feces and nasal secretions. Nasal excretion starts about three days after infection and continues for four or more days. Clinical signs in infected cats range from mild to severe, including death. Subclinical infections can occur. Signs include listlessness, loss of appetite, severe depression, fever, and jaundice. Respiratory, neurologic, and enteric disease may be seen. Differential diagnosis should exclude more common feline viral and bacterial infections causing similar signs. Testing cats for avian influenza A(H5N1) in Idaho Veterinarians interested in testing specimens from ill or dead cats potentially exposed to affected dairy cows or their unpasteurized milk or to backyard flocks affected by avian influenza must contact the local public health district (PHD) epidemiologist for prior approval to submit samples to the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (IBL) for testing. A map of PHDs and their contact information is found here: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts Once prior approval is obtained from the PHD, the veterinarian will be provided with the appropriate sample submission form. Appropriate samples include nasal or oropharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or necropsy tissues depending on the clinical presentation: brain for neurological presentations and lung for respiratory presentations. No transport media is necessary for tissues. Tissues should be frozen in a Whirl-Pak bag (or other sealed bag) and once approved for testing, sent to IBL on chill packs in a leak-proof container. Ask the PHD about the availability of a courier.    Samples must be accompanied by the appropriate sample submission form. If the animal has neurologic signs, rabies testing will be done on the brain prior to influenza testing. Testing will not be performed over the weekend. See https://statelab.idaho.gov/ for details and contact the IBL virology section, 208-334-0523 if you have questions. With prior approval, there is no charge for testing of cats if influenza A(H5N1) is suspected. Testing of specimens not approved for testing at IBL, and testing of veterinary patient specimens is available through the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Veterinarians who suspect HPAI A(H5N1) in livestock or poultry should contact the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Animal Industries, at 208-332-8540. Management of avian influenza A in cats All cats with suspected avian influenza disease should be kept in strict isolation. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.   Human infections with the circulating strain of HPAI A(H5N1) can result in asymptomatic or mild infection to severe illness and death. To reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza A(H5N1) to veterinary staff from sick cats which might have been exposed to avian influenza A(H5N1):   • Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or indirect contact with the animal. • Wear PPE when handling the animal or cleaning the animal’s cage.             o Safety goggles that fit snuggly (unvented or indirectly vented) or face shield,            o An N95® respirator,             o Disposable gloves,            o Coveralls or other protective clothing such as a surgical gown that is disposable and fluid-resistant,             o Disposable boot covers or boots that can be sanitized, and            o Head cover or hair cover that is disposable. • Use particular care during aerosol-generating procedures.  • Use an EPA-registered antimicrobial product effective against avian influenza.   Talk to your healthcare provider if you become ill with new respiratory symptoms, including conjunctivitis, after working with animals suspected or confirmed with avian influenza A. See https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm.    Review the following CDC guidance documents:        • Consideration for Veterinarians: Evaluating and Handling of Cats Potentially Exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/veterinarians-handling-cats.htm         • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/hpai/hpai-interim-recommendations.html    Additional resources        • European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases: Guideline for influenza virus infections in cats. https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/guideline-for-influenza-virus-infections-in-cats/       • Influenza Virus Infections in Cats. Frymus T, Belák S, Egberink H, et al. Viruses. 2021;13(8):1435. doi:10.3390/v13081435        • CDC: H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm        • USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock       • USDA: Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds        • ISDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza in Detected in Idaho Cattle. https://agri.idaho.gov/main/animals/hpai/        • ISDA: Avian Influenza Resources [domestic birds] https://agri.idaho.gov/main/animals/avian-species/avian-disease/avian-influenza-resources/  https://health.dhw.idaho.gov/IDHAN/Form/Msg/Health_Msg_detailsprint.aspx?id=2216&loc2=sent