Two pet cats in Oregon were euthanized after testing positive for bird flu, which was linked to their consumption of raw chicken pet food.
Severity of the Outbreak
Since 2022, bird flu has caused severe outbreaks in the US, affecting millions of poultry, thousands of dairy cattle, and nearly 70 people since April. However, the CDC has reassured that the risk to the general public remains low.
Link to Raw Pet Food
Both cats had eaten “Wild Coast Raw” brand pet food before falling ill. Testing confirmed the presence of bird flu in both the cats and the food samples. Due to the severity of their illness, their owners opted for euthanasia.
Precautionary Measures
Oregon’s agriculture department has advised pet owners to avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat to their animals.
Current Bird Flu Situation
In recent months, California has seen massive poultry culls, while two-thirds of the state’s dairy herds have been affected since late August. Additionally, the USDA has recommended increased bird flu testing for turkeys in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Further Investigation and Concerns
Wild Coast Raw has stated that it sources human-grade poultry from USDA-inspected facilities and is working with a third-party lab for additional screening. Meanwhile, the CDC has delayed releasing a report on bird flu infections among indoor cats with no outdoor exposure.
