A number of human circumstances of avian flu (H5N1) have been reported across the U.S., and the virus has additionally confirmed to be deadly to felines.
Dozens of cats have reportedly contracted the virus for the reason that begin of the present outbreak in March 2024.
Whereas chicken flu has some individuals frightened about consuming sure human meals, what does this imply for the security of your pet’s meals?
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Jim Eager, DVM, director of vet sciences on the Heart for a Humane Financial system in Maryland, famous that contaminated cats have proven respiratory and neurological signs.
Felines are “extraordinarily prone” to the present pressure that has been circulating in waterfowl and home poultry, he instructed Fox Information Digital.
Home cats may be uncovered to and contaminated by chicken flu by way of contact with contaminated wild birds or poultry, alive or useless, in accordance with consultants. Contact with contaminated dairy cattle and their milk also can trigger an infection.
“Outside cats, feral cats and wild cats might kill and eat wild birds which can be sick with chicken flu,” Eager added.
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Cats may also be contaminated with chicken flu by consuming uncooked poultry or unpasteurized dairy merchandise, like uncooked cat meals or uncooked milk.
Though there haven’t been reviews of canines being contaminated with chicken flu within the U.S., in accordance with the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been deadly circumstances in different international locations – however canines normally exhibit delicate signs and low mortality in comparison with cats.
Business requirements
Whereas the FDA is at present investigating contamination of uncooked cat meals, Eager reassured that industrial cat meals that doesn’t comprise uncooked poultry merchandise “must be protected.”
The FDA launched an advisory on Jan. 17 stating the necessity for cat and pet food producers – who’re regulated by the FDA and use raw or unpasteurized substances from poultry or cattle – to “reanalyze their meals security plans” to incorporate chicken flu as a “recognized or moderately foreseeable hazard.”
“The FDA is monitoring circumstances of H5N1 in home and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State which can be related to consuming contaminated meals merchandise,” the discover learn.
Fox Information Digital reached out to the FDA for remark.
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Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, chief of veterinary conduct medication at Coronary heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York, shared with Fox Information Digital that there was an absence of rules relating to uncooked meals, which have grown in recognition amongst pet house owners.
Normally, pet meals that’s freeze-dried or uncooked has not been heated to a sizzling sufficient temperature (165 levels) for the virus to be killed off, that means these diets “usually are not protected,” Tu cautioned.
“The medical neighborhood … doesn’t suggest uncooked meals,” she mentioned. “And particularly now with the chance of the extremely pathogenic avian influenza, we do have proof displaying this isn’t protected.”
Preserving your pets protected
The danger of mortality in home cats contaminated with chicken flu may be as excessive as 67%, in accordance with Tu.
Pet house owners ought to think about taking a couple of cautionary measures to make sure the animals’ security.
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For cats particularly, consultants suggest conserving them indoors to forestall entry to contaminated birds, particularly in areas the place circumstances have been confirmed.
“This virus has been reported in home mice as effectively,” Tu mentioned. “Cats are going to hunt, so attempting to maintain them away from undocumented sources of meals might be my high advice.”
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Each Eager and Tu suggested in opposition to feeding pets uncooked milk, uncooked cream or uncooked pet meals.
“In case you are cooking your individual meals at dwelling on your pets, ensure that it’s heated as much as a temperature of 165 levels,” Tu reiterated.
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When you suspect that your pet has contracted chicken flu, contact your veterinarian.
