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WIRED
18-03-2025
- Health
- WIRED
How to Protect Your Cats (and Backyard Chickens) From Bird Flu
Mar 18, 2025 12:12 PM An H5N1 infection can be fatal for domestic animals, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of them catching the virus. A nationwide egg shortage has sent prices soaring at your local grocery store—and the culprit is H5N1 bird flu. The virus has infected poultry flocks in every US state, with more than 166 million chickens having been killed by the virus or culled to contain it. H5N1 is also spreading among cattle, with close to 1,000 US dairy herds affected, and is suspected to be widespread among wild birds. But these aren't the only animals at risk. Domestic cats are particularly susceptible to catching the virus, which can be fatal in felines, while the rising trend of keeping backyard chickens—partly in response to the egg shortage—risks driving up cases further. Pets and backyard flocks can catch the virus from infected birds, alive or dead, as well as from droppings, contaminated surfaces, and contaminated food. The reported number of US pets impacted by bird flu is relatively low, but cases of H5N1 in domestic cats are rising across the country. As of March 12, there have been 115 cases recorded in pet cats, across 20 states, according to the US Department of Agriculture. However, many cases in pets are probably being missed. 'We are likely seeing an undercount of cases of H5 bird flu in pets, as not all sick pets with a possible epidemiologic link or exposure are reported to Veterinary Public Health,' says Jamie Middleton, director of veterinary public health and chief veterinarian at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 'As a result, not all cases are tested.' Cost of testing is an additional barrier to getting an accurate picture of how widespread pet infections are. 'Commercial PCR lab testing for influenza at veterinary clinics is very costly, approximately $200 to $300 for a respiratory PCR panel for dogs and cats,' Middleton says. 'Thus, many pet owners may elect to not test if their pet is experiencing respiratory symptoms.' Bird flu can also be missed during testing if an infected animal isn't shedding the virus at the time they were tested, making it difficult to pinpoint just how widespread the virus is among pets. The Risks to Your Cat 'We have known for years that cats are susceptible to influenza, and it's on top of many people's minds now because they can die from it,' says Sandra Faeh, president of the American Vulnerary Medical Association (AVMA). Cats, specifically those that go outside, are particularly at risk because of their exposure to potentially sick birds. Cats are also becoming infected by being fed raw food—either homemade or commercially available—as well as unpasteurized milk. Two cats in Oregon recently died of avian influenza after having been fed raw food produced by the company Northwest Naturals. These deaths prompted a voluntary recall of raw pet food by the company. Northwest Naturals did not respond to a request for comment from WIRED. Faeh says that the best thing to do to protect your cat is to keep them inside and away from wildlife. Middleton of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also advises people to avoid 'feeding raw or undercooked meat and poultry products, raw milk or raw dairy products, and raw pet food diets to their pets.' For cats who enjoy spending time outside, Feah says that leashed walks are a good option. She also encourages cat owners to consider constructing secure catios or enclosed and covered outdoor areas, to allow the animals to still get fresh air and the sensory stimulation of being outside, but without the risk of contact with wildlife and their droppings. As there are concerns that bird flu could also be passed to dogs, Faeh recommends keeping dogs on a leash when outside as well. The AVMA also advises against feeding raw and undercooked food or treats to dogs. Faeh says that cat owners should seek out veterinary attention if they have any concerns about their pet's health. Symptoms of bird flu to watch for include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, runny nose, runny eyes, and tremors. If you have a sick pet and are making a veterinary appointment, be sure to notify the clinic when scheduling that you are concerned about bird flu. Your veterinary team may ask you and your pet to wait outside until your appointment time, and may take additional precautions in-clinic to prevent possible spread of the disease. How to Protect Pet Chickens Keeping backyard chickens has become a popular hobby, including in large cities across the United States, and with the rising price of eggs it's likely that more and more Americans are going to start keeping flocks. If they spend time outside, backyard flocks are at high risk of catching bird flu right now. For those considering becoming chicken owners, Faeh recommends first contacting the local health and agriculture departments to discuss the risks of bird flu in the local area, prior to bringing any chickens home. If the risk of infection is high where you live—for instance if there have been reported outbreaks in flocks nearby—consider delaying becoming an owner. If you're still set on getting chickens, or if you already have a backyard flock, there are precautions you can take, Faeh says. Chickens should not be permitted to roam free in your yard, she says; instead, keep them in a covered coop or run to prevent exposure to wildlife. Faeh also encourages owners to limit their chickens' exposure to guests, who could unintentionally introduce the disease to the flock. Symptoms of H5N1 in backyard chickens can be more difficult to spot than in cats, as the birds can quickly die from the disease. It's important to have established care with a local veterinarian who practices with chickens, Faeh says. If you notice any illness within your flock, contact your veterinarian right away. Likewise, if one of your chickens passes and you suspect bird flu, call your veterinarian and your local public health department. Owners should also take their own precautions when working with, caring for, and handling backyard chickens. Wash your hands and change your clothes after engaging with your birds, even if they seem in good health, Faeh says. If you have a pet or bird that appears sick, consider masking up, she adds. Although the spread of H5N1 from livestock to humans is rare, the virus has shown that it's able to make this jump. Seventy people in the US have been infected since the beginning of the outbreak, and one person has died. Most human cases, however, have been reported in farm laborers working with infected livestock, with most of the transmission appearing to happen within the dairy industry, where people are encountering infected cattle and unpasteurized milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the current risk to human health from H5N1 is low. But of course, the point of good hygiene is to try to stop the virus moving in either direction. If you handle sick chickens, you may not catch the virus, but you could pass it on. Washing your hands and changing clothes after spending time with your birds isn't just for your benefit, but for the protection of other animals you might come into contact with—perhaps your pets, or those of people you know. 'The risks are much lower to people than cats,' says Faeh. 'We are more likely to bring it to them than they are to bring it to us.'
USA Today
18-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Cat food products recalled for bird flu risk: Here's which products are affected
Cat food products recalled for bird flu risk: Here's which products are affected Show Caption Hide Caption How annual bird migration could spread avian flu Scientists are still trying to figure out how bird flu is spreading through farms in the United States. Another cat food brand has recalled some of its products due to a possible bird flu contamination, health regulators warned over the weekend. Savage Pet has recalled 66 of its large (84 oz.) chicken boxes and 74 of its small (21 oz.) chicken boxes for cats due to the potential to contain the H5N1 affluenza, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At least one cat in Colorado and another in New York became sick after consuming one of the boxes. Though the Colorado case, in which the cat later recovered, tested negative for the the virus, testing is still underway for the New York case. In November, the San Diego County-based brand distributed the boxes across retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, the recall posted Saturday states. The recalled products list an expiration date of Nov. 15, 2026 (11152026). Savage Pet joins a wave of recalls prompted by the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has ravaged flocks globally and causing a U.S. egg shortage that has fueled higher food prices. Here's what to know. Which cat food products have been recalled because of bird flu? At least four pet food brands have recalled some of its products due to possible risk of bird flu, including Savage Pet, Wild Coast Raw, Northwest Naturals and Morach Raw Pet Wood. The recalled items are listed below: Savage Pet Savage Pet recalled its Savage Cat Food large (84 oz.) chicken boxes and its small (21 oz.) chicken boxes with an expiration date of Nov. 15, 2026 (11152026), distributed in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington Wild Coast Raw Wild Coast Raw has issued two recalls due to the containment of the H5N1 virus. Frozen 16-ounce and 24-ounce Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula with affected lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22664, #22660 and #22664. The best buy date for the affected products, which were sold in Washington and Oregon, is December 2025. with affected lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22664, #22660 and #22664. The best buy date for the affected products, which were sold in Washington and Oregon, is December 2025. The brand's Chicken Feline Formula with lot numbers 22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664 with a best buy date of 12/2025. Northwest Naturals Northwest Naturals recalled one of its products after it tested positive for virulent bird flu. Two-pound bags of Feline Turkey Recipe with a best-by date between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026 distributed in British Columbia, Canada as well as the following U.S. states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington. Morach Raw Pet Food After the bird flu virus was detected in product samples, Monarch Raw Pet Food recalled its products sold at California farmers markets in the cities Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, Fountain Valley, Beaumont, Palm Springs and Corona. What are the bird flu symptoms in cats? The FDA confirms that the following symptoms may be signs that your cat has bird flu: Fever Lethargy Low appetite Reddened or inflamed eyes Discharge from the eyes and nose Difficulty breathing Neurological signs like tremors Stiff body movements Seizure Lack of coordination Blindness What to do if cat has bird flu symptoms The FDA warns that cats presenting any bird flu symptoms after consuming the recalled products be taken to a veterinarian immediately. "Do not feed the recalled product to pets or animals. Do not sell or donate the recalled products," The FDA warns. "Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund." Can bird flu be fatal for cats? Yes. The mortality rate for cats infected with bird flu is 67%, according to the University of Maryland's School of Public Health. Can bird flu be transmitted from cats to humans? Though human infections have not been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth. People who have come in contact with the recalled products should wash their hands thoroughly and sanitize all contact surfaces, like countertops, fridges, bowls and utensils. Contributing: Greta Cross and Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pet care: Here's the situation with bird flu and cats
Feb. 16—Egg shortages, bird flu, cat flu, sick people — OMG! We have a serious problem with no end in sight. Here's an update. Just 12 cats in the U.S. tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1) in 2023. There were 49 last year and 13 already last month. Some of these were barn cats, many more lived in cities and suburbs; a few had never been outside. Bird flu strikes cats fast with lethargy, poor appetite, coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharges and, in the worst cases, loss of balance, walking in circles and even seizures. It's been fatal in 71% of documented feline cases. Avian influenza started in birds and spreads widely among them. Cats catch it by direct contact with birds, including those they kill, infected cattle and exposure to nasal fluids. The virus has also been found in some raw diets; Northwest Naturals and Monarch Raw Pet Food have been implicated. Gaston, aka "Kitten Kaboodle," is the Nichol family cat. He doesn't live in a dairy barn, doesn't consort with birds, and only eats Science Diet. Gaston sleeps well at night. Avian influenza originated in wild birds outside our borders, very likely in Western Europe. It arrived in our country three years ago this month. Since then, we've had 153 million confirmed cases in commercial and backyard poultry. It's been difficult for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get its arms around this pandemic. Infected flocks are destroyed. That means fewer hens, fewer omelets and high egg prices. We can't blame politicians. None I have known are feathered, although some of them should be. There is no cause for panic, but people are also susceptible. Within our shores, 67 human cases have been diagnosed. One of these folks died. Viral spread from one person to another has not occurred. "This is still a significant public health disease," said Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon's state veterinarian. "Allowing this disease to circulate allows it more opportunity to mutate, allows it more opportunity to affect more animals, and more opportunity to potentially affect people." Stay informed. For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at .
