Surge in Cat Deaths Linked to Bird Flu Contaminated Pet Food

A worrying wave of cat fatalities has been reported across several U.S. states, linked to H5N1 bird flu found in contaminated raw pet food. Dozens of domestic cats in areas including Los Angeles County, Oregon, and captive wild cats in Washington and Colorado have died after consuming products suspected to be tainted with the virus. The findings have prompted health officials to take action, calling for stricter safety regulations in the raw pet food industry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new policy changes for poultry farms, particularly in Minnesota and South Dakota, where pre-slaughter inspections will now be mandatory. The agencies are also urging producers of raw pet food to reassess their food safety systems to account for H5N1 as a known risk.

In December, 20 captive big cats at a Washington sanctuary died after consuming contaminated raw food, and similar cases have emerged involving domestic cats. Genetic analysis has confirmed a connection between the virus in deceased cats and samples of Northwest Naturals pet food, which has since been voluntarily recalled.

Despite existing FDA guidelines, raw pet food production remains largely unregulated, allowing for potential hazards to enter the meat supply chain. Experts are urging pet owners to feed their animals thoroughly cooked or pasteurized products to prevent infection, highlighting concerns over the implications of H5N1 infiltrating the wider food supply.