Several human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) have been reported across the United States, and the virus has also proven deadly to cats.
Dozens of cats have been reported to have contracted the virus since the current outbreak began in March 2024.
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Jim Keene, DVM, director of veterinary science at the Maryland Center for Humane Economics, said infected cats exhibit respiratory and neurological symptoms.
Veterinarians say “commercial” pet food without ingredients should be safe to eat. (St. Petersburg)
He told Fox News Digital that felines are “very susceptible” to the current strain of the virus circulating among waterfowl and poultry.
Experts say domestic cats, both living and dead, can be exposed to and infected with avian influenza through contact with infected wild or poultry birds. Contact with infected dairy cows and their milk can also cause infection.
“Stray, feral, and feral cats can kill and eat wild birds that have avian influenza,” Keene added.
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Cats can also become infected with bird flu by eating raw poultry or unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw cat food or raw milk.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been no reports of dogs becoming infected with avian influenza in the United States, although there have been deaths in other countries, but dogs typically have milder symptoms and lower mortality rates than cats. .
industry standard
Although the FDA is currently investigating raw cat food contamination, Keene reassured that commercial cat food that does not contain raw poultry products “should be safe.”
The FDA issued an advisory on January 17th that requires manufacturers of FDA-regulated cat and dog foods that use uncooked or unpasteurized ingredients from poultry or cattle to target avian influenza. It said it would be necessary to “reanalyze the food safety plan” to include it. “A known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.”
The FDA has notified cat and dog food manufacturers to reanalyze their food safety plans following the avian influenza outbreak. (St. Petersburg)
“FDA is tracking cases of H5N1 infection in domestic and wild cats associated with ingestion of contaminated food in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington,” the notice reads.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDA for comment.
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Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, director of veterinary behavioral medicine at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York, told Fox News Digital that there is a lack of regulation around raw foods, which are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. .
Veterinarians recommend heating raw pet food to 165 degrees to kill viruses. (St. Petersburg)
In most cases, freeze-dried or raw pet food is not heated to a temperature high enough (165 degrees) to kill the virus, meaning these meals are “unsafe,” Tu warned. .
“The medical community…doesn't recommend raw foods,” she says. “And especially now with the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza, we have evidence that this is not safe.”
Keep your pet safe
According to Tu, the risk of death for domestic cats infected with bird flu can be as high as 67%.
Pet owners should consider taking several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their animals.
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For cats in particular, experts recommend keeping them indoors to prevent access to infected birds, especially in areas where cases have been confirmed.
Experts recommend keeping cats indoors to prevent contact with infected birds. (St. Petersburg)
“This virus has also been reported in Mus musculus,” Tu said. “Cats hunt, so keeping cats away from undocumented food sources is probably my best recommendation.”
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Keene and Tu advised against feeding pets raw milk, cream, or raw pet food.
“When preparing food for your pet at home, be sure to heat it to a temperature of 165 degrees,” Tu reiterated.
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If you suspect your pet has been infected with avian influenza, contact your veterinarian.
