WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation after more than a dozen cats died or became sick from bird flu linked to raw pet food products.
According to the agency, 13 domestic cats in eight households, one exotic cat, and an unknown number of big cats at two animal sanctuaries were affected. The reported cases occurred in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
The FDA is now trying to trace how the H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu, entered the pet food supply chain. The source remains unknown, and testing could take several weeks.
Under current federal rules, meat from birds culled due to bird flu cannot be used in any food products, including pet food. “Affected flocks are not allowed in the food chain and are usually composted on site,” said Eric Deeble of the USDA.
While bird flu has caused mostly mild symptoms in humans and cows, cats are especially vulnerable. The virus can be deadly to felines, prompting officials to take urgent action.
In response, the FDA announced Friday it would require manufacturers of uncooked cat and dog food to revise their food safety plans. This includes either cooking their products or using other methods to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
The raw pet food market is small but growing quickly. Despite its popularity, the American Animal Hospital Association warns against feeding pets raw protein, citing strong evidence that it increases the risk of disease for both pets and their owners.
The outbreak has also led the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to increase oversight at turkey processing plants. Turkeys in certain states will now face extra testing and isolation before slaughter if bird flu is suspected.
This is not the first time raw pet food has been under scrutiny. In 2024, California officials warned against Monarch Raw Pet Food after a number of cat deaths, though the company denied its products were to blame. Similarly, Oregon officials linked a bird flu outbreak to raw turkey food made by Northwest Naturals.
The FDA continues to investigate and urges pet owners to avoid feeding raw products to their animals until more is known.
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