Bird Flu Outbreak Linked to Raw Pet Food: A Warning for Veterinarians
A recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has raised alarm among veterinarians and pet owners in Oregon and Washington. The outbreak, linked to a raw pet food brand, has resulted in the deaths of several cats and underscores the risks associated with feeding raw diets to pets.
The Outbreak: A Tragic Connection to Raw Pet Food
In Multnomah and Clackamas counties, Oregon, multiple cats from different households fell severely ill after consuming raw pet food produced by Wild Coast Raw, an Olympia-based company. Testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in both the affected cats and the raw pet food. Four cats have died so far, with two euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms.
This isn’t the first time raw pet food has been implicated in a bird flu outbreak. State officials previously reported two deaths among cats in Washington County. One case involved an outdoor cat with a history of exposure to ducks and geese, while another case in December 2022 was linked to raw pet food from Northwest Naturals. The H5N1 virus, which has been devastating bird populations across the U.S., including backyard and commercial farms, is highly contagious and poses a significant risk to cats, who are particularly susceptible to the disease.
The Risks of Raw Pet Food
Dr. Ryan Scholz, the state veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), emphasized the inherent risks of feeding raw pet food. “Raw food is always going to be a risk, not just for this virus, but for any pathogen that can pass through that meat,” he said. “Cooking and pasteurization are designed to kill bacteria and inactivate viruses. Any time you remove those steps from the process, you’re introducing a risk.”
In response to the findings, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issued a public health alert warning consumers about the risk of HPAI in certain lots of raw pet food produced by Wild Coast Raw. Pet owners are urged to check lot numbers on Wild Coast Raw products and discontinue use if they match affected lots. A list of potentially hazardous products is available on the WSDA website.
Symptoms and Transmission in Cats
Cats infected with H5N1 may exhibit symptoms such as fever, runny nose and eyes, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The virus can be transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked meat, raw milk, exposure to wild birds or other infected animals, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
While dogs can also contract H5N1, they appear to be less susceptible than cats. To date, there have been no documented cases of humans contracting the virus from infected cats, but the situation remains concerning due to the virus’s potential to mutate and spread.
A Veterinarian’s Role in Detection and Prevention
Veterinarians play a critical role in identifying and containing outbreaks of HPAI. Dr. Scholz anticipates more cases linked to the contaminated pet food and is actively investigating several suspected cases, including two in Clackamas County.
Christine Knopp, a pet owner in Clackamas County who spoke with KGW8, lost two of her indoor cats to the virus. “We lost my old Sphynx girl, and we just lost my 1½-year-old, Hattie. I’m scared about the others, too,” she told KGW. Her veterinarian tested three symptomatic cats, all of which returned positive results for H5N1. The ODA is now testing the remaining cats in her household to monitor the spread of the virus.
“We want to make sure that one, does anyone else have it? And two, make sure we keep testing them until they’re clear, because it’s still so new and novel,” Knopp said.
What Veterinarians Need to Know
Reporting Suspected Cases: Veterinarians must immediately report any suspected cases of HPAI in animals to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at (503) 986-4711. Early detection is crucial to preventing further spread.
Educating Pet Owners: Veterinarians should advise pet owners about the risks of feeding raw diets, especially during outbreaks of avian influenza. Emphasize the importance of cooking or pasteurizing pet food to eliminate pathogens.
Monitoring Symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms of HPAI in cats, including fever, respiratory issues, and lethargy. Consider testing for H5N1 in cases where raw pet food consumption or exposure to wild birds is reported.
Collaborating with Authorities: Work closely with state and federal agricultural agencies to track and respond to outbreaks. Sharing information and resources can help mitigate the impact of the virus on both animals and humans.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Caution
The recent outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with raw pet food and the importance of proper food safety practices. While raw diets have gained popularity among pet owners seeking natural feeding options, this incident highlights the potential dangers of bypassing cooking and pasteurization processes.
For veterinarians, the outbreak underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect both pets and their owners. By staying informed, educating clients, and collaborating with public health officials, veterinarians can help prevent future tragedies and ensure the health and safety of the animals they care for.
As Dr. Scholz aptly put it, “This is a wake-up call for everyone involved in pet care. We need to be vigilant, informed, and ready to act to protect our animals from emerging threats like HPAI.”
