Cat Euthanized: Bird Flu Linked to Raw Pet Food in San Francisco
- Federal health officials are warning pet owners about potential contamination of certain raw cat food lots with the H5N1 bird flu virus.This alert follows the confirmed infection of...
- The FDA's testing revealed the presence of the H5N1 virus in the raw cat food, specifically in products containing chicken.
- While this is the first confirmed case of H5N1 in a domestic cat linked to commercially available raw food, officials emphasize that animals, especially those very young, very...
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Bird Flu (H5N1) contamination in Raw Cat Food: A Public Health Alert
Table of Contents
Updated September 4, 2024, at 01:25:53 PST
What Happened?
Federal health officials are warning pet owners about potential contamination of certain raw cat food lots with the H5N1 bird flu virus.This alert follows the confirmed infection of a pet cat in San Francisco, California, which consumed contaminated food and subsequently had to be euthanized. The U.S. Food and Drug Governance (FDA) is investigating the issue and has identified specific lots of “Rawr Raw” cat food as being affected.
The FDA’s testing revealed the presence of the H5N1 virus in the raw cat food, specifically in products containing chicken. the affected lots were distributed nationwide.
The Risk to Pets
While this is the first confirmed case of H5N1 in a domestic cat linked to commercially available raw food, officials emphasize that animals, especially those very young, very old, or with weakened immune systems, are at increased risk of serious illness from H5N1 infection. Symptoms in animals can include fever, lethargy, and neurological signs.The San Francisco cat exhibited neurological symptoms before being euthanized.
Other countries have reported fatal cases of H5N1 in animals. The FDA advises pet owners to consult with their veterinarians if their pets show any signs of illness.
The Risk to Humans
Currently, no human infections have been directly linked to handling raw pet food. Though, the FDA warns that humans can become infected with H5N1 if the active virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth.This underscores the importance of practicing good hygiene when handling raw pet food.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation and assessing the potential risk to public health. The CDC notes that the current risk to the general public is considered low, but vigilance is crucial.
Affected Products & What to Do
the FDA has identified the following affected products:
| Product Name | Lot Number | UPC Code |
|---|---|---|
| Rawr Raw Chicken Eats | Various (see FDA website) | Various (see FDA website) |
Pet owners who have purchased the affected lots of Rawr Raw cat food are advised to:
- Stop feeding the food immediately.
- Store the food securely, away from children and pets.
- Contact the manufacturer, Rawr, for disposal instructions.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling the food or its packaging.
- monitor their pets