Bird Flu in Cats: Raw Food Link
- NEW YORK -- The New York City Health Department is advising pet owners to take precautions following confirmed cases of bird flu in two cats from seperate households.
- One of the affected cats, an 8-month-old kitten residing on the Upper West Side, contracted the virus after consuming raw chicken from Savage Cat, a company specializing in...
- Tragically, the kitten's condition deteriorated rapidly, and a veterinarian made the tough decision to euthanize the animal.
bird Flu alert: NYC Health Department Issues Pet Safety Tips
Table of Contents
- bird Flu alert: NYC Health Department Issues Pet Safety Tips
- Bird Flu Alert: Keeping Your Pets Safe in NYC
- Frequently Asked questions About Bird Flu and Pet Safety
- What is bird flu (avian influenza)?
- How did cats in NYC contract bird flu?
- What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?
- What should I do if I suspect my pet has bird flu?
- What steps can I take to protect my pets from bird flu?
- Is bird flu a significant risk to humans in NYC?
- What is Savage Cat’s response to the bird flu cases?
- What if I feed my pet raw food?
- Where can I find more information about bird flu?
- Bird Flu Prevention: A Quick Guide
- Frequently Asked questions About Bird Flu and Pet Safety
Published: March 16,2025
NEW YORK — The New York City Health Department is advising pet owners to take precautions following confirmed cases of bird flu in two cats from seperate households.
Bird Flu in NYC Cats: What Happened?
One of the affected cats, an 8-month-old kitten residing on the Upper West Side, contracted the virus after consuming raw chicken from Savage Cat, a company specializing in raw pet food.
Tragically, the kitten’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and a veterinarian made the tough decision to euthanize the animal. The vet explained, “We took swabs and submitted them to Cornell, we admitted the kitten to the hospital, continued all care, including 24 hour oxygen and continue to deteriorate, and sadly had to put the kitten to sleep the next day we got the positive results for the flu.”
Protecting Your Pets: Key Recommendations
To mitigate the risk of bird flu transmission, the Health Department strongly advises pet owners against feeding their pets raw food or milk. If a pet has consumed raw foods and exhibits signs of illness, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial.
Preventative Measures for Pet Owners:
- Keep cats indoors to limit exposure to possibly infected birds.
- When walking dogs, avoid contact with dead or sick animals.
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Savage cat’s Response
In February,Savage Cat issued a warning to its clients after a cat in Colorado contracted H5N1. The company had been notified of the sick cat in late January, and that cat has since recovered.
Savage Cat alerted customers to potential correlations between its raw cat food and the bird flu.Preliminary testing of the raw cat food yielded “not negative” results, indicating further inquiry is necessary.
The company stated that further isolation testing is underway, and officials are awaiting the results. Savage Cat is cooperating with the FDA and actively gathering details.
Symptoms to Watch For
Health experts urge new Yorkers to avoid feeding pets raw food or raw milk and to prevent cats from roaming outdoors, where they might encounter wild birds or other animals.
Key symptoms of Bird Flu in cats:
- Cloudy or runny eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
Current Risk Assessment
The Health Department emphasizes that the current risk of bird flu to New Yorkers remains low.
Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people – which we have not seen.
Acting Commissioner of the New York City Health Department Dr. Michelle Morse
For additional information on mitigating the spread of avian influenza, consult resources from health organizations.
Bird Flu Alert: Keeping Your Pets Safe in NYC
following recent confirmed cases of bird flu in domestic cats in New York City, pet owners are understandably concerned. This Q&A provides crucial details adn actionable steps to protect your furry friends. This information is based on the New York City Health Department’s recommendations to help you stay informed and prepared.
Frequently Asked questions About Bird Flu and Pet Safety
What is bird flu (avian influenza)?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a disease caused by influenza type A viruses that primarily infect birds. According to the Mayo Clinic, these viruses can cause a range of symptoms in birds, from mild illness to severe disease and even death. While typically found in birds, certain strains can, in rare cases, transmit to other animals, including domestic cats.
How did cats in NYC contract bird flu?
According to reports from the New York City Health Department, at least one of the affected cats contracted the virus after consuming raw chicken from savage Cat, a company specializing in raw pet food. Preliminary testing of Savage Cat’s raw cat food yielded ”not negative” results,indicating the need for further investigation. It’s certainly worth noting that avian influenza viruses occur naturally in wild aquatic birds (ducks, geese, and gulls) and might potentially be transmitted through raw food sources.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?
If your cat is infected with bird flu, they may exhibit several symptoms. The NYC Health Department advises pet owners to watch out for the following:
- Cloudy or runny eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary consultation.
What should I do if I suspect my pet has bird flu?
If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms associated with bird flu, particularly if they have consumed raw food, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.Inform your veterinarian about the potential exposure to raw food or contact with wild birds.
What steps can I take to protect my pets from bird flu?
the NYC Health Department recommends several preventative measures to minimize the risk of bird flu transmission to pets:
- Avoid feeding raw food or milk: This is a primary route of exposure, as highlighted by the recent cases.
- Keep cats indoors: limiting their exposure to possibly infected wild birds considerably reduces the risk.
- Supervise dogs outdoors: when walking dogs,prevent them from coming into contact with dead or sick animals.
Is bird flu a significant risk to humans in NYC?
According to the NYC Health Department, the current risk of bird flu to New Yorkers remains low. Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse stated that bird flu viruses pose a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people, which has not been observed.
What is Savage Cat’s response to the bird flu cases?
Savage Cat issued a warning to its clients in February after a cat in Colorado contracted H5N1. They had been notified of the sick cat in late January, and the cat has since recovered. Savage Cat alerted customers to potential correlations between its raw cat food and bird flu. Preliminary testing of the raw cat food yielded “not negative” results. The company stated that further isolation testing is underway and is cooperating with the FDA and actively gathering details.
What if I feed my pet raw food?
Given the current concerns, the Health Department strongly advises against feeding pets raw food or raw milk. If you currently feed your pet a raw food diet, consider transitioning to commercially prepared, cooked pet food. If you are concerned about your pet’s diet, consult with your veterinarian.
Where can I find more information about bird flu?
For additional information on mitigating the spread of avian influenza, consult resources from reputable health organizations such as:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Mayo Clinic
- Cornell University Collage of Veterinary Medicine
- Your local and state health departments
Bird Flu Prevention: A Quick Guide
Here’s a summary of key preventative measures to protect your pets from bird flu:
| Prevention Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid Raw Food | Do not feed your pets raw meat or unpasteurized milk. |
| Keep Cats Indoors | Prevent contact with potentially infected wild birds. |
| Supervise Dogs Outdoors | Prevent contact with dead or sick animals during walks. |
| Consult Veterinarian | Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet shows any signs of illness, especially if they’ve consumed raw food. |
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can help keep your pets safe and healthy during this time. Published March 16, 2025.