Tim Hanson’s beloved cat, Kira, fell ill unexpectedly after consuming raw chicken in a premium pet food. Despite his initial belief that the finely ground food was beneficial for his cats, Kira developed a fever and stopped eating. Testing revealed she had contracted bird flu, leading to a rapid decline in her health. Despite efforts to save her, Hanson ultimately had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Kira.
The manufacturer of the pet food, Wild Coast Pet Foods, issued a recall of the product responsible for Kira’s illness due to potential bird flu contamination. Hanson has since taken legal action against the company, seeking compensation for the veterinary expenses incurred in treating Kira. The company has stated that it has shifted to cooked poultry recipes to mitigate any risks.
Concerns over bird flu in cats have been growing, with infections on the rise in domestic felines across the United States. Experts warn that while the risk to indoor cats is generally low, the increasing prevalence of bird flu in poultry and livestock poses a significant threat. The possibility of the virus entering the raw food supply chain remains a cause for alarm, prompting recalls and regulatory action in the pet food industry.
In light of recent incidents, pet food manufacturers are urged to reassess their food safety protocols, particularly regarding the use of raw meat sourced from potentially infected animals. The potential for cats to transmit bird flu to humans remains uncertain but cannot be ruled out, raising concerns for both animal and public health.
Drinking raw milk from cows that are infected can be dangerous. Additionally, outdoor cats have been known to contract the virus directly from dead birds. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in February highlighted cases of indoor cats living with dairy farm workers who also contracted bird flu. The study suggests that individuals working on dairy farms or handling milk could unknowingly bring the virus home on their clothing or shoes, exposing their cats to the illness.
There is currently no active surveillance for bird flu in healthy cats, which means cases may be underreported. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that nearly 12% of stray cats tested positive for bird flu antibodies. Experts believe that many cases may go undetected if cats are not brought to a veterinarian for testing.
One such case involved a hairless cat named Leonardo DiCaprio, who tested positive for bird flu in January. Leo’s owner, Steve Werfelmann, revealed that his cat had consumed chicken-based raw pet food from a company called Savage Pet, which had recalled several batches of their products. Despite the common belief that raw food diets are beneficial for pets, experts caution that there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
The current strain of bird flu, which has been spreading among wild birds and poultry in the U.S. since 2022, can cause severe neurological symptoms in cats, including seizures, blindness, difficulty breathing, and eye and nose discharge. Cats infected with this strain may exhibit abnormal behavior or clinical signs similar to rabies.
Scientists are still investigating why bird flu is particularly deadly in cats compared to other animals. Cats seem to be more severely affected by the virus, with far fewer cases reported in dogs and milder symptoms observed in cows. Research has identified receptors in cats’ bodies that make them susceptible to a wide range of flu viruses, including H5N1.
It is crucial for pet owners to be cautious about the sources of food and potential exposures that could put their pets at risk of contracting bird flu. Taking preventive measures and seeking veterinary care promptly can help protect cats from this serious illness.
After drinking the milk, Joseph Journell’s cats, including Big Boy, fell ill and ended up in critical condition. Journell, who lives in San Bernardino, California, noticed a pattern among his cats Tuxsie, Big Boy, and Alexander, suspecting that the milk was the culprit. Big Boy tested positive for bird flu in December but has since recovered.
The milk consumed by the cats was sourced from Raw Farm LLC, a California dairy farm, which issued a recall following positive bird flu samples detected by California health officials. Despite the farm claiming the recall was unfounded and denying any connection to consumer illness from adulterated products, Journell’s lawyer initiated legal action seeking to recover over $16,000 in veterinary expenses, lost wages, and caretaker fees for Big Boy.
Concerns about bird flu spreading to humans were raised, especially as the virus could potentially mutate and become more adept at infecting humans. While there is no conclusive evidence of cats transmitting the virus to people, the situation underscores the importance of monitoring such outbreaks closely.
Hanson, another cat owner affected by the outbreak, emphasized the need for awareness and precautions to prevent further pet deaths and potential risks to human health. He shared his experience of taking protective measures, such as wearing a mask and washing clothes, after his cat Kira passed away. Hanson hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness and prevent more tragic losses among cat owners.
