Experts and some public officials are cautioning against the consumption of raw pet foods following the death of a cat in Oregon from a product contaminated with bird flu. Northwest Naturals, the manufacturer of the cat food involved, has issued a recall for certain batches of the turkey-based product. Felines have been vulnerable to bird flu-related illness and death for some time, but cases in the United States were previously unheard of until 2022.
Dr. Jane Sykes, a professor at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, noted that there have been over 25 reported cases by late 2024, primarily affecting cats on dairy farms in states like Texas and Colorado, as well as indoor cats with no known exposure history. In some instances, these cats may have been fed raw diets or unpasteurized milk. The incident in Oregon marks the first documented case of an indoor cat succumbing to the virus through the consumption of raw food without any exposure to poultry or dairy cows.
According to a 2024 survey by the American Pet Products, only about 2% of pet owners feed their dogs or cats a commercial raw food diet. The concern with raw milk and meat lies in the potential contamination with harmful bacteria and viruses that could pose health risks to pets. Unlike commercial pet foods that undergo heat treatment, raw diets can carry pathogens like salmonella which have been known to infect and cause fatalities in pets.
Dr. Stephen Cole, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted that the processing methods used in traditional pet foods effectively eliminate such risks by cooking and pasteurizing the ingredients. While freezing may be used to preserve certain foods, it does not eradicate viruses. Dr. J. Scott Weese from the University of Guelph explained that freezing can actually help preserve viruses, not eliminate them, as is commonly believed.
Cases of cats infected with bird flu in various Western states are currently under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency is monitoring incidents of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza affecting domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington State, which seem to be linked to the consumption of contaminated food products. The FDA is working with state and federal partners to ascertain the specific details of these cases, including the foods consumed by the animals and coordinating test results to determine the source of the infection.
As a precaution, the FDA advises against feeding pets raw foods that may have originated from farms or other potentially high-risk sources.
Dr. Goodwin advised cooking or pasteurizing products with uncertain origins to prevent the spread of viruses from infected animals. An increase in bird flu cases among cats is expected, with reports of infected cats linked to consuming raw milk and Northwest Naturals pet food. The connection was discovered after an Oregon cat tested positive for bird flu, leading to a recall of contaminated cat food. Veterinarians suspect more cases of cat deaths related to bird flu may have occurred. Symptoms of bird flu in cats include respiratory and neurological issues, with a high fatality rate observed. Owners are urged to watch for signs such as coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite, and neurologic symptoms. Swift veterinary attention is crucial if a cat may have been exposed to the virus. Treatment typically involves hydration and ensuring the cat eats. The possibility of cats developing mild symptoms or being asymptomatic requires further study.
Following the outbreak of the virus, many cats were infected without displaying any symptoms, according to Sykes. To ensure the safety of their feline companions, owners may take certain precautions. Weese explained, “If cats are not receiving raw food, the likelihood of infection can be significantly reduced in the average cat.” He emphasized that indoor cats face minimal risk of exposure. Weese added, “For cats with access to the outdoors, limiting their time outside can lower the risk of contracting the virus.” Since wild birds can also carry the virus, it is important to prevent cats from hunting them. Weese advised, “If you have a bird feeder, removing it can help avoid interactions with wild birds.”
