{"id":1926,"date":"2025-01-07T11:47:48","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T11:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/?p=1926"},"modified":"2025-01-07T11:47:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T11:47:49","slug":"cat-owner-plans-legal-action-after-h5n1-milk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/cat-owner-plans-legal-action-after-h5n1-milk\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Owner Plans Legal Action After H5N1 Contaminated Milk Claims Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The devastating consequences of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/cat-owner-plans-legal-action-after-h5n1-milk\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/cat-owner-plans-legal-action-after-h5n1-milk\/\">H5N1-contaminated raw milk<\/a> have reached the homes of unsuspecting pet owners in Southern California. One man, Joseph Journell, has decided to take legal action against Raw Farm LLC, the Fresno-based dairy company behind the recalled milk, after the virus claimed the lives of two of his beloved cats and left a third fighting for its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/urgent-recall-2-million-cans-of-coconut-water\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1379\">Over 2 Million Cans of Coconut Water Pulled Due to Safety Concerns<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/tesla-issues-recall-for-694000-warning-issue\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1654\">Tesla Issues Recall for 694,000+ Vehicles Over Tire Pressure Warning Issue<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/dog-treats-recall-fda-warns-of-salmonella-risk\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1264\">Dangerous Dog Treats Recall: FDA Warns of Salmonella Risk in 19 States<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#the-hidden-danger-raw-milk-and-h-5-n-1-bird-flu\">The Hidden Danger: Raw Milk and H5N1 Bird Flu<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#joseph-journells-heartbreaking-loss\">Joseph Journell\u2019s Heartbreaking Loss<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#legal-action-against-raw-farm-llc\">Legal Action Against Raw Farm LLC<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-growing-public-health-concern\">A Growing Public Health Concern<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-call-for-awareness-and-accountability\">A Call for Awareness and Accountability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-hidden-danger-raw-milk-and-h-5-n-1-bird-flu\"><strong>The Hidden Danger: Raw Milk and H5N1 Bird Flu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since early December 2023, at least <strong>11 house cats across California<\/strong> have succumbed to the deadly effects of consuming raw milk contaminated with H5N1, a highly pathogenic bird flu virus. The outbreak, linked to Raw Farm\u2019s products, has also impacted hundreds of other domestic and wild cats since the virus arrived in North America in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H5N1\u2019s effects on cats, who are particularly sensitive to the virus, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Severe gastrointestinal distress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fever and pancreatitis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organ failure and death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The California Department of Food and Agriculture suspended sales of Raw Farm&#8217;s raw milk on <strong>November 29, 2023<\/strong>, after detecting the virus in multiple product samples. However, by then, the damage had already been done for many pets, including Journell\u2019s cherished companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/over-317000-ram-hd-trucks-recalled\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1350\">Over 317,000 Ram HD Trucks Recalled for Serious Braking System Issue: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/tesla-issues-recall-for-694000-warning-issue\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1654\">Tesla Issues Recall for 694,000+ Vehicles Over Tire Pressure Warning Issue: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/mass-recall-of-79000-jeep-suvs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1649\">Mass Recall of 79,000+ Jeep SUVs: What You Need to Know About the Backup Camera Safety Issue<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"joseph-journells-heartbreaking-loss\"><strong>Joseph Journell\u2019s Heartbreaking Loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Journell, a San Bernardino resident and devoted cat owner, had been a regular consumer of raw milk for its purported health benefits. He began sharing it with his cats last year, particularly his 14-year-old feline, Alexander, who had been struggling with weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The milk seemed to work wonders initially, helping Alexander gain weight and thrive. However, after purchasing two gallons of raw milk from a health food store on <strong>November 20<\/strong>, everything changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alexander\u2019s Rapid Decline<\/strong>:<br>After drinking the milk, Alexander became lethargic and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Despite emergency treatment, he succumbed to heart failure on Thanksgiving Day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tuxedo\u2019s Sudden Death<\/strong>:<br>A week later, Tuxedo, another of Journell\u2019s cats, began vomiting violently. On the way to the vet, he experienced convulsions and tragically passed away in Journell\u2019s arms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Big Boy\u2019s Fight for Survival<\/strong>:<br>The third affected cat, Big Boy, developed a fever but managed to recover after specialized treatment in Ontario, thanks to a timely diagnosis and intervention.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/over-317000-ram-hd-trucks-recalled\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1350\">Over 317,000 Ram HD Trucks Recalled for Serious Braking System Issue: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/tesla-issues-recall-for-694000-warning-issue\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1654\">Tesla Issues Recall for 694,000+ Vehicles Over Tire Pressure Warning Issue: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/mass-recall-of-79000-jeep-suvs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1649\">Mass Recall of 79,000+ Jeep SUVs: What You Need to Know About the Backup Camera Safety Issue<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-action-against-raw-farm-llc\"><strong>Legal Action Against Raw Farm LLC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the wake of these losses, Journell has sought restitution from Raw Farm LLC. His attorneys sent a letter to Mark McAfee, the company\u2019s owner, demanding reimbursement for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Veterinary bills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lost wages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other out-of-pocket expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lawsuit highlights Raw Farm\u2019s alleged failure to protect consumers and pets from H5N1 contamination. Journell\u2019s case is part of a broader conversation about the dangers of raw milk consumption and its risks to both humans and animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/blendjet-2-recall-4-8-million-portable-blenders\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1912\">BlendJet Recall 4.8 Million Portable Blenders Pulled for Fire and Blade Hazards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-growing-public-health-concern\"><strong>A Growing Public Health Concern<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since March 2024, when H5N1 was first identified in dairy cows, health officials have flagged dead barn cats as a sentinel warning sign of contamination. Despite a voluntary recall of Raw Farm\u2019s products, experts believe the 11 reported cat deaths vastly underrepresent the true toll, as many pet owners remain unaware of the connection between raw milk and the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-call-for-awareness-and-accountability\"><strong>A Call for Awareness and Accountability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Journell\u2019s story serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers of raw milk consumption and the devastating impact of H5N1. As he fights for justice, his case raises critical questions about food safety, consumer awareness, and corporate accountability in preventing such tragedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, pet owners are urged to avoid raw milk products and consult their veterinarians immediately if their animals exhibit any unusual symptoms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The devastating consequences of H5N1-contaminated raw milk have reached the homes of unsuspecting pet owners in Southern California. One man, Joseph Journell, has decided to take legal action against Raw Farm LLC, the Fresno-based dairy company behind the recalled milk, after the virus claimed the lives of two of his beloved cats and left a&nbsp;<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/cat-owner-plans-legal-action-after-h5n1-milk\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1926"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1930,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1926\/revisions\/1930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soscip.org\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}