In Oregon, two cats have tragically been euthanized after consuming raw pet food that was contaminated with the bird flu virus. This sad event has led state agriculture officials to issue a public health warning regarding certain pet food products.
Both cats, which lived in different households in Multnomah County, became seriously ill after eating the raw food produced by Wild Coast LLC, based in Olympia, Washington. After consultations with veterinarians, their owners made the difficult decision to euthanize them due to the severity of their conditions.
Veterinarians promptly reported the illnesses to state authorities, who then collected samples from the cats and the opened food containers. Testing at both state and federal laboratories confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus in both the cats and the pet food. Washington state officials also tested unopened containers and found evidence of the virus there.
The contaminated product in question is identified as Wild Coast’s Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, specifically lots #22660 and #22664, with best-by dates in December. Disturbingly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that dozens of domestic cats, including at least 24 in the current year, have been infected with the H5N1 strain of the virus, primarily through the consumption of raw milk or raw pet food that had been contaminated.
Pets infected with the H5N1 virus may show various symptoms, including fever, lethargy, a loss of appetite, red or inflamed eyes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and neurological issues such as tremors or seizures.
Pet owners who suspect their pets have consumed raw food or had interaction with outdoor birds should seek veterinary care immediately. While there have been no reported human cases linked to handling raw pet food, it’s crucial to note that the virus can spread if it comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
The bird flu has been a growing concern in the U.S. since it started spreading among wild birds in 2022. Additionally, the virus was detected in U.S. dairy cows last year, affecting over 960 cattle herds across 16 states. The outbreak highlights the importance of food safety and awareness when it comes to our pets.
