The demise of an Oregon home cat and a pet meals recall are elevating questions concerning the ongoing outbreak of chicken flu and the way individuals can shield their pets.
Chicken flu has been spreading for years in wild birds, chickens, turkeys and many different animals. It was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March.
The virus has been inflicting sporadic, principally delicate diseases in individuals within the U.S., and practically all of these contaminated labored on dairy or poultry farms. When the virus is discovered, each chicken on a farm is killed to restrict the unfold of the illness.
Oregon well being officers traced the cat’s sickness to frozen cat meals that contained uncooked turkey. Virus recovered from the recalled pet meals and the contaminated cat matched.
Some pet homeowners feed their animals uncooked meat, however that may be harmful, even deadly for the animals, stated Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation.
Cooking meat or pasteurizing uncooked milk destroys the chicken flu virus and different disease-causing germs.
“Uncooked milk, uncooked meat merchandise could be and are a vector for carrying this virus,” he stated.
Are pets in peril of getting chicken flu?
Although circumstances of an infection are uncommon, cats appear particularly prone to the chicken flu virus, or Kind A H5N1. Even earlier than the cattle outbreak, there have been feline circumstances linked to wild birds or poultry.
Since March, dozens of cats have caught the virus. These embody barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and large cats in zoos and within the wild.
The Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being is investigating the deaths of 4 home cats that drank recalled uncooked milk.
Canine appear to be much less susceptible than cats, however they need to eat solely completely cooked meals, Bailey stated.
How can I shield my cat from chicken flu?
Cats shouldn’t drink unpasteurized dairy merchandise or eat uncooked meat. Pet homeowners ought to preserve cats away from wild birds, livestock and poultry.
Don’t allow them to wander freely within the outdoor, Bailey stated, “since you don’t know what they’re moving into. Cats are pure hunters, and one of many animals they like to hunt are birds.”
Keep away from touching sick or useless birds your self. Completely wash your palms after dealing with poultry or animals.
What are the signs of chicken flu in cats?
Cats sick with chicken flu may expertise lack of urge for food, lethargy and fever.
In case your cat is often playful and likes to look out the window, however as a substitute has been sleeping on a regular basis or hiding from you, take notice, Bailey stated.
“There’s one thing flawed,” he stated.
They may have reddened or infected eyes and discharge from the eyes and nostril. They could have issue respiratory or have tremors or seizures.
In case your cat is sick, name your veterinary clinic and preserve the cat away from anybody with a weakened immune system.
What pet meals was recalled?
Northwest Naturals, a pet meals firm in Portland, Oregon, introduced a voluntary recall Tuesday of 1 batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe uncooked frozen pet meals after it examined optimistic for the virus.
The product was offered in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, in addition to Canada’s British Columbia.
The recalled meals has “finest if utilized by” dates of Might 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
Shoppers ought to throw it away and get in touch with the place of buy for a refund.
The Related Press Well being and Science Division receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Instructional Media Group. The AP is solely accountable for all content material.
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