LOS ANGELES (AP) — Health officials in Los Angeles County are urging pet owners to avoid feeding their cats raw meat and raw pet food brands, following the death of a cat in Oregon that was infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. The warning comes amid concerns that raw pet food may be a potential vector for the highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The Oregon cat’s death, which was confirmed by authorities, has prompted a renewed focus on the safety of raw pet food. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the risk of pet infection with H5N1 is low, the recent incident has raised alarm bells. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is now taking proactive steps to inform the public about potential risks.
“We are advising pet owners to avoid feeding their cats raw meat and raw pet food brands, due to the recent finding of a cat in Oregon that was infected with H5N1 bird flu virus,” a county health official said. The official emphasized that while the risk to pets is generally considered low, the consequences of infection can be severe, as demonstrated by the Oregon case. The specific brand of raw pet food that caused the infection in Oregon has not been released.
The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects wild and domestic birds. However, cases of transmission to mammals, including cats, have been reported. These transmissions often occur through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. The consumption of raw meat from infected animals, however, is emerging as a new area of concern.
The CDC’s website notes that “the risk to pets is low,” but also acknowledges that “some mammals, including cats, have been infected with bird flu viruses.” The Oregon case highlights that while rare, these infections can be fatal. This underscores the importance of taking preventative measures, especially when dealing with raw food products that may not undergo the same rigorous processing as cooked foods.
Los Angeles County health officials are not alone in their concern. Other jurisdictions and veterinary organizations are also likely reviewing their guidelines regarding raw pet food in light of this incident. The focus is on educating pet owners about the potential risks associated with feeding raw meat, particularly in regions where avian influenza is prevalent.
The county health department has also advised pet owners to be vigilant for any signs of illness in their cats. Symptoms of bird flu in cats can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and respiratory distress. If a cat exhibits these symptoms, owners are urged to seek immediate veterinary care and to inform their veterinarian about any potential exposure to raw meat or sick birds.
While the investigation into the Oregon cat’s infection is ongoing, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is taking a precautionary approach. The department’s advisory to avoid raw meat and raw pet food is a clear message to pet owners that even seemingly low-risk activities can have serious consequences. The health department is expected to release further guidance as more information becomes available from the ongoing investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between animal and human health, and the importance of monitoring emerging infectious diseases. While the focus is currently on cats, health officials are also keeping a close watch on the potential for other mammals to be affected. The situation is dynamic and evolving, and public health agencies will continue to assess the risk and provide updates as needed.
Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments regarding avian influenza and pet health. They should also consult with their veterinarians about the safest feeding practices for their animals. The current advice from Los Angeles County health officials is clear: avoid raw meat and raw pet food to protect cats from the potential dangers of the H5N1 bird flu virus.
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