United States: Two indoor cats from King and Snohomish Counties in Washington state developed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in their bodies according to recent warnings from state authorities. Two cats received contaminated Wild Coast raw pet food as their source of nutrition according to suspicion.
One Cat Euthanized, Another Under Care
A veterinarian euthanized the more sickly of the contaminated cats but continues to treat the remaining infected feline. Privacy issues exist because these indoor cats received pet foods inside their homes, as reported by The Hills.
Contaminated Pet Food Identified
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) previously issued a public health alert about Wild Coast’s boneless free-range chicken formula frozen raw pet food, linking it to the bird flu virus. This warning follows reports of several cats in Oregon falling ill after consuming the same brand.
Bird Flu Symptoms in Pets
Pet owners are urged to watch for symptoms of bird flu, including:
- Persistent tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and pneumonia
- Upper respiratory issues
- Neurological signs
If any symptoms are observed, contact a veterinarian immediately.
No Human Cases Linked to Pet Food
The WSDA confirms that no human sick cases or contaminated pet food issues have been detected. Pet owners should perform hand washing steps both during and after handling their pet food and when cleaning areas contaminated with pathogens, as reported by The Hills.
Public Health Risk Remains Low
The public health risk from an outbreak perspective remains low according to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) after dairy farms and poultry flocks were affected and egg prices increased.