Bird flu outbreak raises concerns for pet health

The ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has affected wild birds, poultry, and even dairy cattle in the U.S., is now raising alarms for pet owners. A recent case in Oregon, where a house cat died after eating infected raw turkey pet food, highlighted the risk to cats and led to a recall of pet food.

Bird flu’s reach and impact

Bird flu, or Type A H5N1, has been spreading globally for years, causing significant agricultural disruption and sporadic human infections. When detected on farms, all birds are culled to limit its spread. However, the virus is not confined to avian species—it has also been found in mammals, including cats and even big cats in zoos.

Oregon health officials confirmed that the virus found in the deceased cat matched the strain present in a recalled batch of raw turkey pet food. This discovery has emphasized the risks associated with feeding pets raw meat, a practice discouraged by veterinary experts.

Why are cats vulnerable?

Cats, natural hunters with a penchant for catching birds, are particularly susceptible to bird flu. Cases have been documented in barn cats, feral cats, and indoor pets exposed to infected birds or raw poultry. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is currently investigating the deaths of four house cats linked to unpasteurized raw milk, which also carried the virus.

Dogs appear less vulnerable than cats but should still avoid raw or undercooked foods, said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

How to protect your cat from bird flu

Pet owners can take several precautions to keep their cats safe:

• Avoid raw meat and unpasteurized dairy: Feed cats only thoroughly cooked meat or commercially prepared pet food.
• Limit outdoor access: Cats should not roam freely, as they may hunt infected birds or encounter contaminated environments.
• Practice hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry, raw meat, or wild animals.

“Cats are natural hunters, and one of the animals they love to hunt are birds,” Dr. Bailey explained. Keeping them indoors minimizes their risk of exposure.

Symptoms of bird flu in cats

Cats infected with bird flu may exhibit:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Reddened or inflamed eyes
• Discharge from the eyes and nose
• Breathing difficulties, tremors, or seizures

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep the animal away from individuals with weakened immune systems.

Pet food recall details

Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based pet food company, has issued a voluntary recall of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The recalled batch, sold in 13 U.S. states and Canada’s British Columbia, has “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.

Consumers are advised to discard the product and contact the place of purchase for a refund.

Staying informed and cautious

As the bird flu outbreak evolves, pet owners must remain vigilant about their pets’ health and feeding practices. While the risk of transmission to pets remains rare, preventive measures can safeguard their well-being and provide peace of mind.