Federal officials in the United States are addressing a new wave of bird flu cases in domestic cats, with some instances traced to contaminated raw pet food, the New York Times reports.
Since early December, over two dozen cats have been affected, with several succumbing to the illness after consuming uncooked or unpasteurized products. The outbreak has prompted recalls, new pet food safety rules, and increased poultry surveillance efforts.
Bird flu, known as H5N1, has long been recognized as a risk to cats, especially those exposed to infected wild birds. However, this is the first time in the U.S. that commercially available raw pet food has been linked to infections.
- Key findings: Infected cats primarily consumed raw pet food or raw milk. For instance, a cat in Oregon died after eating a raw turkey product, which tested positive for the virus. Similarly, five cats in a Los Angeles household became ill — two fatally — after consuming raw food, with one brand testing positive for H5N1.
- Vulnerability of raw products: Unlike cooked or heat-treated pet food, raw products are not processed to eliminate pathogens, making them a potential vector for diseases like bird flu.
Experts suggest multiple pathways through which the virus could contaminate pet food. While federal regulations mandate that infected poultry must not enter the food supply, birds with mild infections or those exposed just before slaughter might slip through.
Additionally, gaps in the supply chain and insufficient oversight may allow contaminated products to reach consumers. Although manufacturers are required to implement food safety plans, limited regulatory resources mean issues are often identified only after illnesses are reported.
In light of the outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced new rules requiring manufacturers of raw pet food to update their safety plans to address bird flu risks. Concurrently, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has strengthened bird flu monitoring at commercial turkey farms in Minnesota and South Dakota, where some viral strains found in infected cats appear to have originated.
While these steps aim to mitigate risks, experts caution that their effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement and industry compliance.
To protect pets from bird flu and other foodborne illnesses, experts recommend:
- Avoid raw products: Refrain from feeding pets raw milk, meat, or poultry, as these can harbor various pathogens. If switching from raw food is challenging, cooking the food thoroughly can reduce risks.
- Check food sources: Contact pet food manufacturers to inquire about ingredient sourcing and safety protocols. Companies unable to provide clear answers may be less reliable.
- Limit exposure to wildlife: Minimize pets’ contact with wild birds and other animals, which could carry the virus. Report any sick or dead birds to local authorities.
