A sad story about a house cat in Oregon and a pet food recall is making people worried about bird flu and how it could affect their pets. Bird flu has been moving through wild birds and farm animals for a long time. This virus was even found in dairy cows in the U.S. starting in March.
Most people who get sick from bird flu are those who work with chickens or dairy cows. When bird flu shows up on a farm, they usually have to kill all the birds to stop the virus from spreading.
In this case, Oregon health officials found that a cat got sick after eating frozen cat food that had raw turkey in it. They found the same bird flu virus in both the food and the cat.
Many pet owners give their pets raw meat to eat, which can be harmful or even deadly. Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says cooking meat or pasteurizing raw milk kills the bird flu virus and other germs that can make pets sick.
Are Pets at Risk for Bird Flu?
Yes, pets can get bird flu, especially cats. They are more likely to catch the virus than dogs. Even before the recent outbreak, some cats got sick after being near wild or farm birds. Since March, many cats—both wild and pet cats—have gotten bird flu.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is also looking into the deaths of four house cats that drank raw milk that was recalled.
Protecting Your Cat from Bird Flu:
To keep your cat safe, do not feed them raw milk or raw meat. It’s essential to keep them away from wild birds and farms. Also, don’t let them roam outside freely since cats love to hunt birds.
If you see a sick or dead bird, don’t touch it. Always wash your hands after handling any poultry or animals.
Signs of Bird Flu in Cats:
If your cat appears tired, doesn’t want to eat, or is hiding a lot, something might be wrong. Other signs of bird flu in cats can include red eyes, discharge from the nose or eyes, trouble breathing, and sometimes shaking or seizures. If you think your cat is sick, call your vet right away.
Pet Food Recall:
A pet food company called Northwest Naturals from Portland, Oregon, announced a recall of some frozen cat food after it tested positive for bird flu. This food, called Feline Turkey Recipe, is sold in many states and even in Canada. If you have any of this food, throw it away. You can contact the store where you bought it for a refund!
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