A domestic cat in Oregon, United States, recently died from H5N1 bird flu after eating contaminated cat food, prompting global concern—including in Hong Kong, where the same pet food brand was available for online purchase.
The case has highlighted a lack of regulation in Hong Kong regarding imported pet food. Most of the city’s pet food supply comes from international sources, yet there is currently no specific law governing its importation.
Legislator Steven Ho Chun-yin, an advocate for animal welfare and owner of four cats, has urged the Hong Kong government to strengthen pet food oversight. He suggested working with the Legislative Council and the Consumer Council to develop a regulatory framework that ensures the safety of imported pet food products.
Alongside food safety concerns, animal health advocates are also drawing attention to another major issue—Hong Kong’s lack of legal access to GS-441524, a treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a deadly viral disease in cats.
GS-441524 has proven effective in treating FIP and is legally available to veterinarians in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. In contrast, Hong Kong has not approved the drug for veterinary use, leaving local pet clinics unable to offer the treatment through legal channels.
As a result, many cat owners turn to the black market to obtain GS-441524. Agents often buy the drug overseas and resell it at inflated prices, making it inaccessible for some pet owners.
Animal welfare supporters are calling on the Hong Kong government to move quickly on two fronts: tighten regulations on imported pet food and legalize the veterinary use of GS-441524. They argue that stronger protections and medical options are essential to safeguarding the health of the city’s pets.
Related Topics
