#18,510
We've known for more than 2 decades of the risks of feeding cats raw foods in areas of the world where HPAI H5 is present. The following comes from a World Health Organization GAR report from 2006.
In 2007 the FAO warned that: Avian influenza in cats should be closely monitored, and in 2012 the OIE reported on Cats Infected With H5N1 in Israel. Since then we've seen numerous reports of cats infected with H5N1, H5N6, H7N2, H9N2, and H3N8 avian flu viruses (see 2015's HPAI H5: Catch As Cats Can).H5N1 avian influenza in domestic cats
28 February 2006
(EXCERPTS)
Several published studies have demonstrated H5N1 infection in large cats kept in captivity. In December 2003, two tigers and two leopards, fed on fresh chicken carcasses, died unexpectedly at a zoo in Thailand. Subsequent investigation identified H5N1 in tissue samples.
In February 2004, the virus was detected in a clouded leopard that died at a zoo near Bangkok. A white tiger died from infection with the virus at the same zoo in March 2004.
In October 2004, captive tigers fed on fresh chicken carcasses began dying in large numbers at a zoo in Thailand. Altogether 147 tigers out of 441 died of infection or were euthanized. Subsequent investigation determined that at least some tiger-to-tiger transmission of the virus occurred.
Also in 2016 we saw a large, unprecedented outbreak of avian H7N2 among hundreds of cats in New York City animal shelters (see NYC Health Dept. Statement On Avian H7N2 In Cats) which eventually led to one human infection (link).
Just 3 months ago, in Vietnam: Govt. Confirmation Of `Dozens' Of Tiger Deaths (H5N1 Suspected), a diet of locally sourced raw poultry was blamed for a deadly outbreak at two zoos in Dong Nai Province. There are, sadly, many other examples.
Given this track record - and a historically high level of HPAI H5 in poultry and dairy cows in the American west - it is not at all surprising we are seeing similar events occurring here in the United States.
The USDA lists nearly 60 domestic feline deaths due to HPAI, although this is almost certainly just the tip of the iceberg.
In recent days we've seen more than a dozen cats affected in California (linked to raw milk, and raw food consumption), and late yesterday Oregon announced a domestic cat death, which they now link to consumption of a commercially produced raw cat food.
Morasch Meats of Portland Voluntary Recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food Due to HPAI ContaminationThe Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is alerting pet owners that samples of Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food tested positive for a H5N1 strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus. Testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University confirmed a house cat in Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the raw frozen pet food. Tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”
Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon-based company, is voluntarily recalling its Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food. The recalled product is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1.
The product was sold nationwide through distributors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, PA, RI and WA in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. Customers who have purchased the recalled product should immediately discard the product and contract the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information or questions, customers may contact Northwest Naturals of Portland at info@nw-naturals.net or 866-637-1872 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM PST, Monday through Friday
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who had contact with the cat for flu symptoms. To date, no human cases of HPAI have been linked to this incident, and the risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low in Oregon. Since 2022, OHA has partnered with ODA through a One Health approach to investigate human exposures to animal outbreaks of avian influenza.
To avoid the spread of disease, including HPAI, state, and federal experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products
- Avoid consuming raw dairy
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash your hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick/dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl
This case reminds us that feeding raw meat products to pets or consuming them yourself can lead to severe illness. Raw meat may contain harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and H5N1. These pathogens are destroyed when meat is thoroughly cooked. Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized, can also carry harmful germs. Pasteurization of milk eliminates disease-causing pathogens, including HPAI.
Although Oregon has reported one confirmed human case of HPAI, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in dairy cows or cow milk. As a precautionary measure, ODA announced on December 11 that it will test milk from every commercial dairy across the state. Neighboring states such as Idaho, Nevada, and California have reported HPAI cases in dairy cattle herds, contributing to over 700 confirmed cases in 16 states nationwide.
Meanwhile, in a follow up to Monday's LA County Animal Health Alert, which announced their investigation into potentially contaminated raw meat, we get this press release published overnight by the LA County Department of Health.
For Immediate Release:
December 24, 2024
Public Health Warns Against Feeding Pets Raw Food Following H5 Bird Flu Virus Detection
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets raw food following a voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has confirmed a house cat contracted H5 bird flu and died after consuming the recalled raw frozen pet food. The recalled products are sold in California. A listing of retailers can be found on the product’s website.
The recalled products are packaged 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Pet owners are urged to immediately dispose of the product.
Residents who fed their pets the recalled raw pet food products or other raw meat or dairy products and notice their pet is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.
Public Health recently confirmed H5 bird flu in four house cats that consumed recalled raw milk and became sick and died, which is part of an ongoing investigation. Cats infected with H5 bird flu can develop severe illness that may including neurologic signs, respiratory signs or liver disease that can rapidly progress to death. Public Health is also investigating additional possible cases of H5 bird flu in three house cats from a different household. One cat has tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats that indicates possible H5 bird flu. Two other cats, which have died after worsening respiratory illness, are presumed to have also been positive for Influenza A. Public Health is awaiting confirmatory testing. These cats were not known to be exposed to raw milk, however public health is investigating other possible sources of infection, including raw meat.
Residents should avoid consumption of all raw milk and raw meat products and not feed these to their pets. Raw dairy, meat and poultry products, can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, including H5 bird flu, which can pose serious risks to your health and the health of your pets. While consuming raw milk and meat products is never advised from a public health standpoint, the risk is especially concerning at this time, given the ongoing spread of bird flu virus among dairy cattle and following recent multiple detections of the virus in raw milk products.
It is worth noting that while cats seem to be particularly susceptible, other pets - including dogs, ferrets, birds, and small rodents may also be infected with HPAI. While pet-to-human transmission is rare, it has been documented (see J. Virulence: HPAI H5N1 Virus Infection In Companion Animals).
Despite frequent assurances from the USDA and other agencies that `Avian influenza is not transmissible by eating properly prepared poultry, so properly prepared and cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.' - there is a catch.
As we discussed in Mixed Messaging On HPAI Food Safety, there may be some risk entailed in the preparation of raw poultry. PAHO (the Pan-American Health Organization) mentions this on their Avian Influenza landing page:
Transmission
The most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. The main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated by feces. Plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors.
Last August the WHO published Interim Guidance to Reduce the Risk of Infection in People Exposed to Avian Influenza Viruses, which lists a number of `risk factors', including:
- keep live poultry in their backyards or homes, or who purchase live birds at markets;
- slaughter, de-feather and/or butcher poultry or other animals at home;
- handle and prepare raw poultry for further cooking and consumption;
Although it gets mentioned, far more attention needs to be paid to safe food handling practices in this time of HPAI. Unfortunately, very little is published specifically about H5N1 safety during food preparation, with links usually to generic `safe poultry handling' advice.
And if anyone offers you a turkey shashimi appetizer this holiday season. . . my advice is to just say `no'.
