A house cat in Oregon recently died from bird flu after consuming raw turkey-based cat food produced by Northwest Naturals. This case marks the first documented instance of an indoor cat contracting the virus through contaminated raw food, prompting a nationwide recall of affected batches.
How Bird Flu is Impacting Cats in the U.S.
Felines have long been at risk of bird flu, with global cases reported for years. However, bird flu cases in U.S. cats only began appearing in 2022. According to Dr. Jane Sykes, a veterinary professor at UC Davis, early cases primarily involved farm cats exposed to infected poultry or raw milk. The Oregon incident has raised alarms as it highlights risks for indoor cats consuming raw diets.
In Washington state, the Wild Felid Advocacy Center reported the deaths of 20 big cats last week, including tigers, cougars, and lynxes. These fatalities were linked to the bird flu virus, showing its devastating impact on both domestic and wild cats.
Additionally, on December 20, Los Angeles County issued an advisory confirming bird flu had been detected in four domestic cats that consumed recalled raw milk and one that ate Northwest Naturals. Earlier reports from the same county revealed that eight domestic cats had consumed raw milk, seven of which became ill, with five succumbing to the virus.
FDA and Experts Warn Against Raw Pet Food
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into bird flu infections in domestic and wild cats across multiple Western states, including California, Colorado, and Oregon. FDA officials have linked these infections to raw food products, advising pet owners to avoid feeding uncooked diets.
“Freezing or freeze-drying raw food does not eliminate viruses like bird flu,”
Dr. J. Scott Weese from the Ontario Veterinary College
He added that commercially processed pet food, which undergoes heat treatment, is far safer due to its ability to kill harmful pathogens.
Symptoms and Risks of Bird Flu in Cats
Bird flu in cats often progresses rapidly and can result in death within 24 hours of showing symptoms. Common signs include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and severe neurological symptoms like stumbling or seizures. Experts estimate that approximately 67% of infected cats succumb to the virus.
Veterinarians emphasize the importance of monitoring cats closely for symptoms and seeking immediate care if exposure to potentially contaminated food is suspected.
Protecting Pets Through Better Food Choices
To reduce risks, pet owners are encouraged to switch to cooked or commercially processed pet food. Dr. Stephen Cole from the University of Pennsylvania stressed the effectiveness of traditional food processing methods in eliminating bacteria and viruses.
Additionally, experts recommend keeping cats indoors to limit their exposure to wild birds, which can carry the virus. Owners should also remove bird feeders from their properties to reduce indirect contact with infected wildlife.
A Broader Call for Pet Food Safety
The Oregon case has highlighted the potential dangers of raw diets and the need for stricter oversight in the pet food industry. “This might just be the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. Weese, noting that many cat deaths linked to bird flu likely go unreported or undiagnosed.
As investigations continue, experts urge pet owners to prioritize safety by avoiding raw pet food, monitoring their cats’ health, and ensuring their pets are fed properly treated products.