California Cat Owner’s Heartbreaking Loss
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A California man is raising awareness about the dangers of raw milk after losing his two beloved cats to H5N1 bird flu. Joseph Journell, 56, from San Bernardino, expressed his sorrow, saying, ‘It’s horrible when you realize that you’re the one that actually gave them the milk that killed them.’
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Unfortunate Events Unfold
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Journell’s cats, Alexander and Tuxsie, died after consuming unpasteurized milk from Raw Farm, which was later recalled due to bird flu contamination. A third cat, Big Boy, required hospitalization and is recovering but has suffered severe side effects. ‘I was trying to make him healthier and make him live longer,’ Journell noted, referring to his attempt to support Alexander’s health through raw milk.
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Health Officials Respond
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Health officials confirmed the cats’ deaths were linked to the contaminated milk, found in a recall by Raw Farm. The incident follows widespread outbreaks of bird flu affecting dairy herds across the U.S. Federal and state health officials have warned against consuming raw milk due to the risks of various infections, including bird flu.
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A Call for Change
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Journell, who has spent over $12,000 on veterinary bills, is now seeking compensation from Raw Farm. Meanwhile, Raw Farm’s owner disputes the timing of when the virus could infect the cats and suggests that more investigation is needed.
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Continued Risks
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As of December, nearly a dozen cats in California have succumbed to bird flu after consuming contaminated food sources. Experts are urging pet owners to avoid all unpasteurized dairy products to protect their pets.
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Conclusion: A Lesson Learned
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Despite the tragic outcome, Journell is hesitant to completely dismiss raw milk’s potential health benefits but confirmed he won’t consume it in the foreseeable future, stating, ‘Not right now.’ This heart-wrenching tale emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding pet dietary choices and the risks associated with raw food products.
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