Isolation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus from Cat Urine after Raw Milk Ingestion, United States

In 2024, 3 domestic cats in California, USA consumed raw milk contaminated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Fever and neurologic signs developed; 2 cats died. The surviving cat's urine tested positive for H5N1 virus by reverse transcription PCR. Raw dairy products pose a risk to both animal and human health.