Bird Flu Cases in Household Cats Spark Raw Pet Food Warning

Urgent Warning Issued Over Raw Pet Food Linked to Avian Influenza in Cats

State agriculture departments in Washington and Oregon have sounded the alarm after a troubling incident involving raw pet food and indoor cats in Oregon contracting a highly contagious and dangerous strain of avian influenza, known as HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) or H5N1. The infected cats, who were euthanized due to severe illness, had consumed raw pet food manufactured by a company called Wild Coast Raw. This unsettling discovery has prompted urgent warnings from agricultural and health officials, raising critical questions about the safety of raw pet food and the potential risks it poses to both pets and humans.

Why It Matters: Avian Influenza in Pets and Beyond

The detection of H5N1 in commercial raw pet food represents a worrying turning point in the spread of avian influenza. While the virus is typically associated with birds, its presence in pet food highlights a concerning new pathway for transmission to household pets. This case has spurred a multi-state investigation, as authorities seek to understand how the virus contaminated the food and whether other pets or humans may be at risk. The incident underscores the need for stricter safety protocols in the raw pet food industry, which has grown increasingly popular in recent years despite debates over its risks and benefits. For pet owners, the situation is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of feeding raw or unprocessed foods to their pets.

What You Need to Know: The Outbreak and Investigation

In the past two months, four cats in Oregon and Washington County have been diagnosed with avian influenza, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the raw pet food they consumed. The investigation into this outbreak began after officials noticed a common link: all the infected cats had eaten the same brand of raw pet food before falling ill. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, along with the National Veterinary Services Laboratories at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are leading the investigation.

Pet owners are being advised to watch for symptoms of illness in their pets, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, red or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, seizures, or blindness. If pets show these symptoms, especially after consuming raw pet food, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial.

While the risk of human infection remains low, health officials caution that transmission could occur through contact with contaminated pet food or surfaces. People exposed to the virus should monitor for symptoms such as conjunctivitis, cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

How to Protect Your Cat From Bird Flu

Veterinarians and health officials are offering clear guidance to pet owners to minimize the risk of Avian Influenza transmission to their cats. First and foremost, owners should avoid feeding their pets raw meat, especially poultry, or unpasteurized dairy products, as these can pose serious health risks. Keeping cats indoors is another critical step, as it reduces the likelihood of contact with infected birds, livestock, or wildlife, particularly in areas where bird flu outbreaks have been reported.

In addition to these precautions, pet owners are advised to ensure their cats’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. While rabies and avian influenza are distinct viral infections, overlapping symptoms could lead to confusion during diagnosis. Owners should also avoid handling dead birds unless absolutely necessary, and if they must do so, they should wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and a mask. After any contact with livestock, poultry, or potentially contaminated surfaces, thorough handwashing and changing clothes before interacting with pets can help reduce the risk of transmission.

What People Are Saying: Official Statements and Warnings

Both the Washington and Oregon Departments of Agriculture have emphasized the gravity of the situation. They released a joint public health notice after testing unopened containers of Wild Coast Raw pet food, confirming the presence of the virus. The agencies have been clear about the potential risks while also reassuring the public that no human infections have been identified so far.

State health officials have further warned that while the risk to humans is currently low, the virus can still enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth if someone handles contaminated food or surfaces without proper precautions. They encourage anyone exposed to H5N1 to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical advice if they experience any signs of illness.

What’s Next: Ongoing Investigations and Consumer Guidance

As the situation continues to unfold, consumers are being directed to check the lot numbers on Wild Coast Raw products and visit the WSDA’s recalls and health alerts webpage for the latest updates. Health officials will remain vigilant, monitoring for any additional cases of infection while conducting a thorough investigation into the contaminated food products. In the meantime, pet owners are urged to exercise caution and take proactive steps to protect their pets and themselves from potential exposure to the virus.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health and highlights the importance of robust safety measures in the production and distribution of pet food. As authorities work to address the immediate concerns, the broader implications of this outbreak will likely spark further discussions about the regulation of raw pet food and how to balance its popularity with the need to safeguard public health. For now, awareness, vigilance, and responsible pet ownership are the best defenses against this evolving threat.