WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked raw pet food to a string of deadly bird flu infections in cats across the country.
In a statement first reported by CBS News on Tuesday, the FDA said at least 13 house cats in eight households, one exotic cat, and an unknown number of big cats at two wildlife sanctuaries became sick or died after eating uncooked food. The affected locations include California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
The cases are tied to the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The virus is believed to have spread through raw meat, unpasteurized milk, or uncooked eggs from infected poultry or cattle. While cats can suffer severe illness or die from the virus, dogs typically experience milder symptoms, the FDA noted.
Last Friday, the FDA advised pet food manufacturers using raw or lightly processed meat to update their food safety plans and consider the risk of H5N1 contamination.
The current H5N1 outbreak began in March 2024, when the virus was found in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas. Since then, the virus has caused numerous animal deaths. In Texas, 12 barn cats died after drinking infected raw milk. In December, 20 exotic cats—including cougars, a lynx, and a Bengal tiger—died at a Washington animal sanctuary.
Research published last year in the journal Emerging Microbes and Infections found that H5N1 viruses in cats showed mutations that may indicate adaptation. Scientists warned that cats could act as “mixing vessels” for the virus and potentially pass it to other species.
The outbreak has also impacted zoos. Earlier this year, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo reported the deaths of a Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal due to H5N1 infection.
The virus has devastated the poultry industry as well. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 20 million hens have died, and 134 million birds have been affected nationwide.
To combat the crisis, USDA officials announced plans to build a national stockpile of H5N1 vaccines for poultry, aiming to slow the spread and protect flocks.
Related Topics
