The Oregon and Washington Departments of Agriculture have issued a health alert regarding the risks associated with raw pet food after confirming cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in two cats from Multnomah County. Both felines, which consumed the same brand of raw pet food, were euthanized due to the severity of their condition. The incident has prompted authorities to advise pet owners to exercise caution when selecting pet food products. Further testing by veterinary laboratories confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food samples. Consumers are urged to check lot numbers on Wild Coast Raw products and discontinue use if affected.
In recent developments, officials have identified a concerning trend involving raw pet food and its link to avian influenza. After veterinarians reported unusual symptoms in two cats from separate households in Multnomah County, investigations revealed that both animals had consumed the same brand of raw pet food prior to falling ill. Following consultations with their respective veterinarians, the owners made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the pets due to the severity of the illness. Subsequent tests conducted at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food samples.
Following these findings, the Washington State Department of Agriculture issued a public health alert warning consumers about the potential risk of HPAI in certain lots of raw pet food produced by Wild Coast Raw in Olympia, Washington. This action was taken after additional testing confirmed the virus in the food samples. Officials recommend that pet owners carefully review the lot numbers on any Wild Coast Raw products they may have at home. If a match is found, it is imperative to stop feeding the product immediately to prevent further illness. The alert also follows a similar incident last month where a cat in Washington County tested positive for HPAI after exposure to wild ducks and geese.
Pet owners should be aware that both domestic and wild cats are particularly susceptible to H5N1 avian influenza, while dogs can also contract the virus, though they appear less vulnerable compared to felines. To protect pets from H5N1, it is crucial to avoid feeding them undercooked or raw meat, unpasteurized milk, or allowing them to consume birds or other wild animals. Proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands after handling raw meat or interacting with poultry, livestock, or unfamiliar animals, are also essential. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian if they notice any signs of illness in their pets and inform them of any potential exposure to raw meat, raw milk, or wild waterfowl.
Health authorities continue to monitor individuals who have been in contact with infected animals for up to 10 days following their last exposure. To date, there have been no documented cases of human infection with HPAI following exposure to an infected cat. However, veterinarians are required to report any suspected cases of influenza in animals to the appropriate agricultural department immediately. Pet owners should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their pets' health.