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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide.
Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, said Tuesday it had voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for bird flu.
Two cats in Multnomah County where put down recently after contracting bird flu, an outbreak which agricultural officials in Oregon and Washington have linked to an Olympia-based raw pet food company.
At least two cats in Oregon were euthanized this month after eating raw pet food contaminated with bird flu, prompting agriculture officials to issue a public health alert Friday about the products.Symptoms of bird flu in cats can include fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, red or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing and signs of neurological damage, including tremors, seizures and blindness.If a pet consumed raw food or milk or had access to outdoor birds,owners should contact a veterinarian immediately.No human cases of bird flu have been linked to handling raw pet food, but peopel can be infected if the virus enters their eyes, nose or mouth.
Bird flu has been spreading in wild birds in the U.S. since 2022. The virus was detected for the first time in U.S. dairy cows last year. It has infected more than 960 cattle herds in 16 states.
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Pet Food Contamination: A Healthy Conversation About Bird Flu in Animals
Table of Contents
Bird flu, officially known as avian influenza, has been spreading rapidly among wild birds in teh United States.Recently, cases in domestic animals including cats and cattle have raised concerns. we spoke with Dr. Amelia Harding, a renowned veterinary epidemiologist, to discuss this emerging threat, its potential impact on pets, and safety measures for pet owners.
Avian Influenza in Pets: A Growing Concern
Senior Editor: Dr. Harding, thank you for joining us. Can you give us an overview of the current bird flu situation and its relation to pets?
Dr. Harding: Certainly. Avian influenza outbreaks are fairly common in wild bird populations. Though, the recent emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains has raised significant concern due to their high mortality rate in both poultry and wild birds. We’ve seen increasing reports of infections in domestic animals, including cats and cattle.
Two cats in Oregon were recently euthanized after consuming pet food contaminated with bird flu.
Senior Editor: ThatS alarming. Can you explain how pets can contract bird flu? Is danger posed by their own diets?
Dr. Harding: Pets, particularly cats who are natural hunters, can become infected through direct contact with infected birds or other infected animals.
Bird flu has been found in a specific batch of raw frozen pet food.
They can also contract the virus by consuming contaminated food or water. This highlights the critical importance of pet food safety.
Symptoms and precautions for Pet Owners
Senior Editor: What are some of the common symptoms of bird flu in cats?
Dr. Harding: Symptoms in cats can be varied and may include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), red or inflamed eyes, nasal discharge, and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, or blindness. It’s crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and consult a veterinarian instantly if they observe any of these signs in their cats.
Senior Editor: What precautions can pet owners take to protect their animals from bird flu?
Dr. Harding: The best defense against avian influenza is prevention.
Oregon Agriculture officials have issued warnings regarding access to raw poultry products.
keep your cats indoors, especially when bird flu is prevalent in your area. Avoid feeding them raw meat or poultry, and ensure their water sources are clean and uncontaminated. Regularly disinfect pet bowls, toys, and any areas where your cat spends time.
Public Health Considerations
Senior Editor: Are there any risks associated with human exposure to avian influenza?
Dr. Harding: While the risk of bird flu transmission to humans from pets is generally low, it is indeed not unachievable. humans can become infected by coming into close contact with infected animals or their droppings. However, there have been no confirmed cases of human infection linked to handling pet food contaminated with bird flu.
Senior Editor:
How are authorities addressing this issue?
Dr. Harding:
Oregon authorities have issued public health alerts and recommendations, encouraging pet owners to be vigilant and practise preventive measures.
In addition, the manufacturers of pet food products recently recalled suspected contaminated batches. Ongoing research is crucial to better understand the spread of avian influenza in animals and to develop strategies for effective prevention and control.
Conclusion
Bird flu presents a real and evolving risk to both animal and public health. Being aware of the potential dangers, taking preventive measures, and remaining informed about updates from health authorities are essential steps in protecting our pets and ourselves. Thank you, Dr. Harding, for your valuable insights.