In light of rising concerns about bird flu across the nation, an Inland Empire resident, Joseph Journell, has claimed that the virus, transmitted through contaminated raw milk, led to the demise of his cherished pets. Journell, a cat owner for 15 years, is striving to alert others to prevent them from enduring a similar ordeal.

According to Journell, two of his four cats, Tuxsie the Tuxedo and Alexander the Great, succumbed after consuming a batch of raw milk tainted with the bird flu virus, which has affected both humans and animals in California and beyond. “After a few days, I noticed they weren’t touching their wet food or the milk I’d given them,” Journell recounted. “When my oldest cat, Alexander, lay his head down on the bed, it struck me that something was amiss.”

Journell insists he possesses test results verifying the virus in his cats and receipts for the raw milk he suspects was the culprit.

As of last month, 11 cats in California have died after consuming raw milk and pet food, with seven from Los Angeles County and two — Tuxsie and Alexander — from San Bernardino County, officials report. In response, the United States Department of Agriculture has mandated the testing of unpasteurized milk samples nationwide to trace the virus’s origins.

Raw Farm, the Fresno-based company linked to the contaminated milk, released a video stating, “There are no illnesses associated with H5N1 in our products; this is a political issue.”

Despite his profound loss, Journell continues to champion the health benefits of raw milk for both humans and pets, remarking, “I believe it’s beneficial but recognize the need for more rigorous testing.”

Journell is seeking reimbursement from Raw Farm for nearly $12,000 in veterinary expenses and has not ruled out legal action, though he remains undecided.