Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(62,102 posts)
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 06:45 PM Sunday

California man says two of his cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu

California man says two of his cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu

The Associated Press
January 12, 2025, 8:06 AM


This photo provided by Joseph Journell of San Bernardino, Calif. shows two of his cats, Alexander, background, and Tuxsie, right, who died from bird flu after they drank raw cow's milk. Cleo, center, did not drink the milk and remained healthy. (Joseph Journell via AP)(AP/Joseph Journell)

A California man whose two cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu risk says he meant to keep his beloved pets healthy, but his efforts tragically backfired.

“It’s horrible when you realize that you’re the one that actually gave them the milk that killed them,” said Joseph Journell, 56, of San Bernardino.

Journell lost his 14-year-old tabby, Alexander, and Tuxsie, a 4-year-old tuxedo cat, in late November. A third cat, 4-year-old Big Boy, was hospitalized for a week before tests showed the animal was infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The cats drank unpasteurized milk from lots recalled by Raw Farm, of Fresno, whose dairy products were pulled from California store shelves in December after health officials found the virus in milk for sale, he said. The animals’ deaths were confirmed by state and county health officials. The cats were kept indoors, with no access to potentially infected birds, and ate conventional, not raw, pet food, the owner said.

{snip}

Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
California man says two of his cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves Sunday OP
Why the hell are you drinking non pasteurized milk ever...much less during an outbreak JT45242 Sunday #1
Beyond that, cats don't need milk in the first place. 3Hotdogs Sunday #3
Could it at all have been slightlv Sunday #5
What a dumbass. RandySF Sunday #2
Those poor JustAnotherGen Sunday #4

JT45242

(3,026 posts)
1. Why the hell are you drinking non pasteurized milk ever...much less during an outbreak
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 06:56 PM
Sunday

The cats are victims of the man's stupidity.

Unfortunately, karma took the wrong mammals from that house.

You can't fix stupid.

3Hotdogs

(13,720 posts)
3. Beyond that, cats don't need milk in the first place.
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 08:06 PM
Sunday

Yeah, they like it. But they don't need it.

Does the local Safeway have a section in the forest to sell milk for Mountain Lions or Bobcats?


Yeah, I know, A & P has a dairy bar in the Kalahari.

slightlv

(4,645 posts)
5. Could it at all have been
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 10:41 PM
Sunday

because he thought it might let the cats have milk, without upsetting their lactose intolerance? I had one Japanese Bobtail that ADORED milk products. She'd fight you tooth and nail for them. But I always had lactose free milk products to give her... because I'm highly lactose intolerant. I guess I could see someone being confused by the pasteurized/unpasteurized and possible lactose issue. Just seems like this guy was up on everything else, why fall down in this? It just doesn't make much sense. I'd never give raw milk to any living creature. Most of them don't need it after they're weaned... WE don't either - if we kept up with Vit D otherwise.

I'm just hyper with my cats about what they eat, drink, and treats. I read more labels on THEIR food than I do on my own!

So sad about the kitties, tho... just so unnecessary. Breaks my heart.

JustAnotherGen

(33,989 posts)
4. Those poor
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 09:37 PM
Sunday

Little sweethearts.

He should never be allowed to live with any domesticated animal ever again. Shame on him. They depend on us.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»California»California man says two o...