California man Joseph Journell wants his money back from raw milk dairy after two of his cats die

California man Joseph Journell believed he was making a good decision by feeding his cats raw, unpasteurized milk, which he also drank himself. But this decision turned tragic in late 2024 when two of his cats, Alexander and Tuxedo, died painful deaths involving convulsions and blindness.

A third cat, Big Boy, narrowly survived after being hospitalized for eight days in critical condition, while a fourth cat that did not consume the milk remained healthy. Journell, who lives in San Bernardino, California, now suspects that the raw milk from Raw Farm LLC was contaminated with bird flu and caused the illnesses.

Journell, who spent $14,000 on Big Boy’s medical care and testing, is devastated by the outcome. Tests conducted by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center confirmed that Big Boy was infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. Big Boy’s recovery has been slow; while he can now walk and eat normally, his vision remains impaired, and he required weeks of mobility assistance with a wheeled device.

Journell blames Raw Farm LLC and its owner, Mark McAfee, for the contamination. However, McAfee has denied responsibility, arguing that Journell’s cats could have contracted bird flu from eating an infected bird—an assertion Journell disputes, as all his cats were strictly indoor pets. McAfee also insisted that raw milk cannot harbor the bird flu virus for extended periods in cold storage, a claim California health officials refute.

In late 2024, Raw Farm LLC faced recalls of its raw milk after it tested positive for the bird flu virus, prompting California health authorities to temporarily shut down the dairy until it could prove its products were safe. Despite these measures, McAfee continues to assert the safety of his milk, noting that his own cats on the farm drink raw milk without issue.

Journell, represented by the Marler Clark law firm, is seeking reimbursement for his expenses. The law firm sent McAfee a letter on January 1, stating, “This incident represents yet another outbreak linked to Raw Farm and highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of your raw milk products.”

Health officials have warned for months about the dangers of unpasteurized milk, which can carry harmful pathogens, including the bird flu virus. Journell now advises other pet owners to seek immediate medical attention if their animals exhibit unusual symptoms. He believes acting sooner could have saved Alexander and Tuxedo.

Since December 1, at least 11 cats in California have died after consuming raw milk or raw pet food. Similar cases have been reported in Texas and Oregon, and in December, 20 animals at a big cat sanctuary in Washington State died from bird flu infections.

Whispers From The Neighbourhood

Journell’s decision to feed raw, unpasteurized milk to his cats has drawn criticism, particularly from those who advocate for animal welfare and food safety. While Journell believed the raw milk provided unique health benefits, detractors argue that his failure to thoroughly assess the risks put his pets i con danger.

“As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that what you feed your animals is safe,” one critic noted. “Raw milk has well-documented risks, including contamination with dangerous pathogens.”

Some critics have also questioned Journell’s reliance on raw milk for both himself and his pets despite warnings from health officials about its potential dangers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous state agencies have consistently advised against consuming raw milk, citing its vulnerability to harmful bacteria and viruses like H5N1 bird flu. Journell’s disregard for these warnings has been labeled by some as negligent.

Others have criticized his delayed response to his cats’ symptoms, suggesting that faster medical intervention could have prevented the deaths of Alexander and Tuxedo.

Journell himself acknowledged this, saying, “If I had acted sooner, my other cats might still be alive.” Critics argue that this hesitation reflects a lack of awareness about the urgency required in addressing potential foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, some have questioned the financial and emotional toll of Journell’s decisions. Spending $14,000 on testing and medical bills highlights the significant costs associated with avoidable risks.

Critics suggest that this money could have been used for preventive measures, such as feeding pasteurized milk or consulting veterinarians about proper pet nutrition.

However, not all criticism is directed at Journell. Some point to the broader issue of raw milk production and the responsibilities of producers like Raw Farm LLC.

Critics argue that McAfee’s denial of liability and his claims about the safety of raw milk reflect a lack of accountability. “Raw milk producers need to take responsibility for ensuring their products are safe, especially given the high risks,” one advocate remarked.

While Journell’s intentions may have been rooted in care for his pets, his actions have raised questions about informed decision-making and the consequences of ignoring public health warnings.