As bird flu cases rise in the U.S., pet food safety has become a growing concern for both pets and their owners. While the idea of feeding pets raw, unprocessed food has been popularized by some who believe it mimics natural diets and is healthier, the recent surge in bird flu cases has raised alarms about the risks associated with this trend.
Jamila Acfalle, a dog trainer in Portland, Oregon, knows all too well the delicate balance between pet care and food safety. In 2021, she adopted a Maine Coon kitten, Villain, who quickly became part of her family, adjusting seamlessly to the presence of her large, energetic dogs. Acfalle, committed to providing Villain with the best care, chose to feed her raw food an increasingly popular choice among pet owners who seek to avoid the processed ingredients found in conventional pet foods. The raw food she chose for Villain included frozen meat, organs, and bones, which Acfalle believed were healthier and closer to what the cat would eat in the wild.
However, this well-intended choice led to a heartbreaking tragedy. After Thanksgiving 2023, Villain began showing symptoms of a serious illness. Initially, she stopped eating and became disoriented, eventually suffering neurological issues. After a few agonizing days, Acfalle rushed Villain to an emergency animal hospital, but the cat passed away. A necropsy revealed the devastating cause: Villain had contracted H5N1, the bird flu virus, from contaminated raw pet food.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since issued a warning about the risks associated with raw pet foods, particularly in light of the current bird flu outbreak. While raw foods like meat and dairy products have long been popular for their perceived health benefits, experts now caution that these choices expose pets and their owners to the possibility of infection. The H5N1 virus, which primarily affects birds, has been detected in a growing number of mammals, including domestic cats, which are particularly vulnerable to the virus. The FDA has advised pet food manufacturers to implement stronger safety protocols to ensure that animal products used in pet food do not come from infected sources, and to consider cooking meats and eggs before incorporating them into pet food products.
This warning comes as the bird flu virus has spread to a variety of animals, including dairy cows and poultry, and has infected dozens of cats in the U.S. since 2022. In addition to Acfalle’s tragic experience, other pet owners have reported similar losses. Joseph Journell, a California resident, lost two of his cats after they drank raw milk that was later recalled due to H5N1 contamination. Although he did not initially connect the illness to the milk, a subsequent investigation confirmed that his cats had contracted the virus from the contaminated product.
Experts like Dr. J. Scott Weese, a veterinary specialist in zoonotic infections, explain that the spread of H5N1 in pets is concerning because it may indicate a broader potential for human exposure. While human infections remain rare, the more the virus interacts with humans and their environments, the greater the risk of adaptation. Dr. Weese and others warn that pet owners should be cautious when handling raw foods and ensure that hygiene practices are strictly followed to prevent cross-contamination.
The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between animals and humans in the spread of infectious diseases. While the allure of raw pet food may still appeal to many pet owners, the growing threat of bird flu has underscored the need for careful consideration when it comes to feeding pets raw diets. The risks to both pets and people are real, and it is vital for pet owners to stay informed and make safe, well-researched decisions about their pets’ diets. As health experts continue to monitor the situation, it’s clear that the safety of both pets and their owners must come first in the era of bird flu.
