Recent developments have prompted state agriculture departments in Washington and Oregon to issue a critical warning regarding raw pet food after multiple indoor cats contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1). The affected felines, which had consumed raw pet food from Wild Coast Raw, were euthanized due to severe illness. This incident has sparked a multi-state investigation into safety protocols within the raw pet food industry, raising significant concerns about potential risks to household pets and their owners.

Avoid Contaminated Pet Food: Protect Your Pets and Family from Avian Flu

Understanding the Recent Outbreak

The recent outbreak of avian influenza among domestic cats in Oregon and Washington has drawn considerable attention from health authorities. Four cases have been reported over the past two months, with laboratory testing confirming the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the raw pet food they consumed. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborated with the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to verify these findings. This development underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in the production of pet food products.Raw pet food, particularly those containing poultry, poses a significant risk as it can harbor pathogens like HPAI. The investigation into this matter began when officials noticed a pattern among infected cats—all had consumed the same brand of raw pet food before falling ill. This discovery has led to an urgent public health notice aimed at preventing further infections and ensuring the safety of pets and their human companions.

Symptoms to Watch For

Pet owners must remain vigilant and monitor their animals for any signs of illness. Common symptoms include fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological issues such as tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness. If any of these symptoms are observed, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for affected pets.While the risk to humans remains relatively low, transmission can occur through contact with contaminated pet food or surfaces. Individuals should be aware of potential symptoms such as eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Health officials advise monitoring for these signs and seeking medical attention if necessary.

Preventive Measures for Pet Owners

To safeguard against avian influenza, veterinarians recommend avoiding raw meat and unpasteurized dairy products for pets. Keeping cats indoors and away from potentially infected birds, livestock, and wildlife is essential, especially in areas experiencing bird flu outbreaks. Ensuring that rabies vaccinations are up-to-date can also help prevent confusion between different viral infections.Owners should exercise caution when handling dead birds, opting to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves and a mask, if interaction is unavoidable. After coming into contact with livestock or poultry, it is imperative to change clothes and wash hands thoroughly before resuming interactions with pets. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection and protect both pets and humans.

Official Statements and Next Steps

The Washington and Oregon Departments of Agriculture have initiated this public health notice in response to the confirmed cases of HPAI in raw pet food. Further testing on unopened containers of the affected product has been conducted by the WSDA. State health advisories emphasize the importance of hygiene practices, particularly handwashing, to minimize the risk of transmission.Health officials stress that although no human infections have been identified yet, individuals exposed to H5N1 should monitor themselves for symptoms. Those exhibiting signs of illness should promptly contact their healthcare providers. Consumers are advised to check lot numbers on Wild Coast, LLC products and visit the WSDA recalls and health alerts webpage for specific information. Ongoing monitoring and investigation will continue to ensure the safety of both pets and people.