Bird Flu Cases in Cats Raise Alarming Concerns for Pet Owners—Is Your Raw Diet Putting Your Patients at Risk?
Two separate cats in New York City households have tested positive for bird flu, sparking concerns among pet owners and veterinarians alike. The city's health department has confirmed the cases, with the acting health commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse urging pet owners to take precautions.
“Bird flu has been confirmed in cats elsewhere in the U.S.,” Dr. Morse stated. “Pet owners should avoid feeding raw food or raw milk to their pets and keep cats indoors to prevent contact with wild birds or other potentially infected animals.”
Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of bird flu spreading to dogs, but experts caution that influenza viruses, including avian flu, have the potential to mutate and affect other species.
Tragic Outcome for NYC Kitten:
In a heartbreaking case at Brilliant Veterinary Care on the Upper West Side, Dr. Deborah Bayazit was forced to euthanize a kitten that suffered severe complications from the bird flu. The kitten had vague symptoms at first, showing lethargy and a lack of appetite. When it was brought in for care, it presented with a dangerously high fever.
Dr. Bayazit identified that the kitten had been fed a diet of raw canned chicken. This diet may have been the source of exposure to the virus. “The owner is devastated,” Dr. Bayazit said. “She didn’t know, but now we do, and it’s crucial for pet owners to understand that feeding raw diets—especially raw chicken—can be dangerous right now.”
Raw Food Link to Bird Flu Outbreak:
The raw chicken consumed by the kitten was sourced from Savage Cat Food, a manufacturer of raw meat products for cats. The company had been alerted to a potential issue earlier this year after a cat in Colorado fell ill in February. Although a PCR test of the product was initially inconclusive, later testing confirmed that the product was safe. However, in response to the NYC case, Savage Cat Food issued a voluntary recall of its poultry products.
In an official statement, Savage Cat Food emphasized that all poultry ingredients are USDA inspected and passed for human consumption. However, due to the recent bird flu cases, the NYC Health Department has strongly advised pet owners to avoid feeding Savage Cat Food products to their cats.
“If your cat is showing signs of illness after consuming Savage Cat Food or other raw meat or dairy products, please contact your veterinarian immediately,” Dr. Morse added.
The health department assured that the current risk to New Yorkers remains low, but pet owners are urged to stay vigilant and prioritize their pets’ safety during this concerning time. The investigation into the link between bird flu and raw poultry pet food is ongoing, as officials continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal animal health authorities.
For veterinarians, this serves as an urgent reminder to advise clients against raw feeding, especially involving poultry, given the potential risks of avian flu transmission.
