In a concerning development, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture have issued warnings to pet owners regarding the dangers of raw pet food. Two additional cats from separate households in Multnomah County, Oregon, succumbed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The disease was confirmed through rigorous testing, leading to the difficult decision by the owners, advised by veterinarians, to euthanize the pets due to the severity of their condition. Both cats had consumed the same brand of raw pet food prior to falling ill. This incident has prompted health authorities to issue public alerts and conduct further investigations into the safety of specific raw pet food products.

Details of the Incident

In the heart of winter, two feline residents of Multnomah County faced an unexpected and tragic fate. Veterinarians noted that both cats exhibited severe symptoms of illness, which were later identified as HPAI. Upon consultation with their respective veterinarians, the cat owners made the heart-wrenching choice to euthanize their beloved pets. The raw pet food implicated in this outbreak came from West Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington. Samples collected from the affected cats and unopened containers of the raw food were sent for comprehensive testing at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The results confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food samples.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has since 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 strongly urged to check the lot numbers on any Wild Coast Raw products they may have at home. If a match is found, they should immediately cease feeding these products to their animals. Detailed information and specific lot numbers can be found on the Washington State Department of Agriculture's recalls and health alerts webpage.

Cats, whether domestic or wild, are particularly vulnerable to the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. While dogs can also contract the virus, they appear to be less susceptible compared to their feline counterparts. It is important to note that no human infections have been reported among those handling the affected raw pet food products. However, there remains a potential risk if individuals come into contact with contaminated surfaces without proper hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to pet nutrition. As pet owners, we must prioritize our animals' health by staying informed about product recalls and adhering to recommended safety guidelines. The collaboration between veterinary professionals and health authorities in addressing this issue underscores the need for continued diligence in safeguarding both animal and human health.