#18,344
Two weeks ago, in Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Statement On H5N1 In Domestic Cats - WSDA Health Alert on Raw Pet Food, we looked at a report on two Oregon Households with H5N1 infected cats, once again linked to raw commercial cat food (manufactured in Washington State).
Yesterday, we saw 6 more cats from Oregon added to the USDA's list, suggesting that outbreak may still be growing. Cats (and dogs), however, can be infected via other exposures (see California: San Mateo County Warns Residents After Stray Cat Found With H5N1).
Late yesterday the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced the detection of H5N1 in domestic cats from two households (in King & Snohomish counties), both linked to this same brand of of raw commercial cat food.
One cat has been euthanized, while the other is still receiving treatment.
While almost certainly an undercount, over the past year we've seen more than 100 domestic cats, and more than 5 dozen larger wild or captive cats, infected with H5N1 in the United States alone.
So far we've seen no evidence of human infection from these infected cats or food products, but the potential exists, and so human contacts are monitored for 10 days after their last exposure.
The WSDA statement follows. I'll have a bit more after the break.
Washington cats confirmed with HPAI as investigation into contaminated pet food continues
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is alerting pet owners that at least two domestic, indoor cats in King and Snohomish counties in Washington have become infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with more cats being tested.
Pet owners reported feeding their cats potentially contaminated Wild Coast Raw pet food (previously identified in a prior public health alert). One of the cats was euthanized due to the severity of the illness. The second cat is being treated by a veterinarian.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) reported the presumptive positive results of both cats with HPAI on Monday morning, Feb. 24. WSDA received confirmatory results from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The contaminated pet food has been linked to severe illness in cats in Oregon in addition to the reports in Washington mentioned here. For more information and specific lot numbers, visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture recalls and health alerts webpage.
Common clinical signs of HPAI in felines include lethargy, low appetite, fever, hypothermia, progression of illness to pneumonia, progression of illness to neurologic abnormalities and upper respiratory infection. If your pet has consumed this product and has any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Inform the veterinary clinic before arriving so the veterinary team can prepare to handle the cat in a manner that reduces risk of transmission to veterinary staff, other clients, and other animals.
To date, there have been no documented human cases of HPAI following exposure to an infected cat or contaminated raw pet food products. The currently circulating strain of HPAI is considered low risk to the public, but there is greater risk for those who handle contaminated raw pet food products or who care for infected animals.
People can become infected if the virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth — such as by handling contaminated pet food or touching contaminated surfaces, especially without thoroughly washing their hands afterward.
Sick animals could be isolated to prevent the possible spread to other animals and people in the home. Caretakers should wear a well-fitting face mask and practice good hand hygiene when caring for infected animals.
Public health monitors all people exposed to animals infected with HPAI through 10 days following their last exposure.
“This is a difficult situation, we love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill,” WSDA field veterinarian Dr. Zac Turner said. “If your cat is showing symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.”
The WSDA is continuing to investigate and monitor the situation and urges veterinarians and pet owners to report any additional illnesses potentially linked to the contaminated product. Currently, WSDA does not recommend feeding raw pet food or raw milk to animals.
Six weeks ago - after a spate of similar reports from California, Oregon and Washington - the US FDA Issued New Requirements For Pet Food Manufacturers, although it left the corrective steps largely up to the manufacturers (see snippet below).
Under the PCAF requirements, animal food businesses must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plan when the FDA determines it is necessary to respond to new hazards and developments in scientific understanding.
The FDA has determined that it is necessary for cat and dog food manufacturers covered by the PCAF rule, who are using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized eggs) in cat or dog food, to reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a new known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.
How long that analysis will take - and how effective any industry actions will be - remains to be seen.