- State officials linked H5N1 infections in several indoor cats to a recalled raw pet food product.
- Laboratory testing confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in both affected cats and food samples.
- The cats became severely ill and were euthanized due to the progression of disease.
- Washington officials are advising consumers to check recalled Wild Coast Raw products by lot number.
- Veterinarians are encouraged to consider H5N1 in cats with compatible neurologic or respiratory signs and a history of consuming raw poultry-based diets.
Washington and Oregon agriculture officials are warning veterinarians and pet owners about the potential risk of feeding raw pet food after an investigation linked multiple cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in indoor cats to contaminated commercial raw diets.
According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), several indoor cats in Oregon developed severe illness after consuming the same brand of raw pet food. Following consultation with their veterinarians, the owners elected euthanasia because of the severity of disease.
Laboratory testing performed by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories detected H5N1 virus in samples collected from affected cats as well as in both opened and unopened containers of Wild Coast Raw pet food.
Recall and clinical guidance
WSDA is advising consumers to check recalled Wild Coast Raw products using published lot numbers and to discontinue feeding affected products immediately.
Officials said cats infected with H5N1 may develop fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, conjunctivitis, ocular or nasal discharge, respiratory distress and neurologic abnormalities including tremors, seizures, incoordination and blindness.
Veterinarians are encouraged to obtain a thorough dietary history when evaluating cats with compatible clinical signs, particularly those consuming raw poultry-based diets.
Human health considerations
No human infections associated with handling the recalled pet food have been identified, according to state officials. However, people can become infected if the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth while handling contaminated food or surfaces.
Officials recommend thorough hand hygiene after handling raw pet food and advise anyone experiencing influenza-like symptoms following exposure to contact a healthcare provider.
Information in this article is based on announcements from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Animal Health News has summarized the information for editorial purposes and has not independently verified all findings. Readers should consult official recall notices and public health guidance for the latest information.
