Can Pets Contract bird flu Through Raw Food Consumption?

The Rising Threat

The recent proliferation of avian influenza has significantly impacted poultry and livestock populations across the United States. While the virus has predominantly caused mild and sporadic illnesses among humans—mostly those engaged in agricultural labor—severe cases are emerging. In Louisiana, for instance, a patient endured critical illness following exposure to infected backyard birds, as reported by the Associated Press.

Concurrently, an alarming development involves domesticated cats succumbing to avian influenza, linked to the ingestion of raw milk or uncooked meat. This revelation has amplified concerns regarding raw pet food, whether homemade or commercially acquired, as a vector for viral transmission.

The Question:

Can pets become infected with avian influenza by consuming raw food?

The Answer:

Yes, pets are susceptible to contracting avian influenza through the consumption of uncooked or contaminated food.

Key Insights

Pets can acquire the virus through direct contact with infected avians or their remains and by consuming unprocessed foods harboring the pathogen. Since proper cooking or pasteurization eradicates the virus, raw consumables pose the highest risk.

Raw feeding practices, which have gained traction among pet owners, inadvertently introduce risks. Infected raw food—whether sourced from infected animals or contaminated during handling—has led to documented fatalities.

Case Studies:

1. Oregon Incident: On December 26, 2024, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) confirmed a domestic feline succumbed to avian influenza after ingesting raw, frozen pet food, later recalled due to contamination. This particular cat, confined to an indoor environment, underscores the dangers of raw diets.
2. Los Angeles Outbreak: Earlier, on December 20, 2024, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported the illness of seven out of eight indoor cats in one household after consuming raw milk. Tragically, five of these felines perished, with subsequent testing identifying avian influenza as the culprit. The implicated raw milk was later withdrawn from circulation.

Cooked Foods: A Safer Alternative

Thoroughly cooked or pasteurized food is inherently safe for consumption, even if derived from infected sources. For instance, common pet foods such as kibble, which undergo cooking and drying processes, remain free from the virus.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), studies conducted in May 2024 demonstrated that cooking heavily contaminated patties at temperatures of 145°F (medium) and 160°F (well-done) effectively eradicated the virus. Even rare cooking at 120°F significantly diminished its potency.

Pasteurization, lauded as a landmark discovery in food safety, further safeguards against viral contamination. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) emphasizes its efficacy, highlighting pasteurization’s ability to eliminate bird flu pathogens.

Conclusion:

To minimize the risk of avian influenza, pet owners are urged to avoid raw diets and prioritize cooked or pasteurized options. This precaution is particularly crucial amid ongoing outbreaks, ensuring the well-being of cherished companions and preventing inadvertent viral transmission.