BIRD FLU AND RISKS TO PETS AND OWNERS
Bird Flu in Cats: The Hidden Danger of Raw Poultry, Eggs, and Milk
The recent spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has raised concerns for not just birds, but also mammals—including cats. While bird flu has historically been a concern for poultry and wild birds, new cases of HPAI infecting cats highlight a growing risk for pet owners.
How Are Cats Getting Infected with Bird Flu?
Cats can contract HPAI by:
✅ Eating infected raw poultry, eggs, or milk from birds carrying the virus
✅ Hunting and consuming wild birds that are infected
✅ Exposure to contaminated environments where infected birds have been
Recent cases have shown that the virus can be severe and even fatal in cats, causing respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and sudden death.
🛑 Experts warn that the virus is evolving unpredictably.
"Avian influenza is evolving unpredictably, adapting to mammals and raising concerns about its potential to cause a human pandemic," says computational biologist Martha Nelson, a scientist at the NIH who has been monitoring H5N1 outbreaks. Confirmation of infections in rodents near farms is particularly concerning, says veterinarian and epidemiologist Meghan Davis. "There is absolutely no chance of containment, and we now have to think about mitigation and monitoring."
This means that preventative steps are critical—especially for pets that could serve as a bridge between wildlife and humans.
Why Raw Diets Are Dangerous During a Bird Flu Outbreak
Many pet owners believe that feeding raw diets—including raw chicken, eggs, and unpasteurized (raw) milk—is beneficial for their pets. However, with the spread of HPAI, this practice is now extremely risky.
🔴 Raw Poultry & Eggs – Infected birds can shed the virus in their meat and eggs, which, when consumed raw, can transmit the virus to cats and other pets. Even if the food looks fresh, it could still carry deadly pathogens.
🔴 Raw Milk – Some pet owners feed raw milk from backyard chickens, assuming it’s a healthy alternative. However, bird flu has been detected in milk from infected dairy cattle, raising concerns about viral transmission through unpasteurized milk.
Protecting Your Pets from Bird Flu
To keep your pets safe:
✔️ Avoid feeding raw poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk—stick to cooked, commercial pet food.
✔️ Keep cats indoors to prevent hunting infected birds.
✔️ Practice good hygiene when handling poultry products.
✔️ Stay informed about local bird flu outbreaks and report any unusual illness in your pets to your vet.
Final Thoughts
The risk of bird flu in cats is real, and raw diets pose a serious threat in the current outbreak. Keeping your pets on safe, properly cooked food is essential to protecting their health. If your cat shows symptoms like lethargy, difficulty breathing, or neurological issues, seek veterinary care immediately.
🐾 Stay cautious, stay informed, and keep your pets safe! 🐾
