Bird flu isn’t just a danger for birds anymore; it’s now affecting pets too. In Colorado, officials found that 11 cats tested positive for the virus. Tragically, most of them did not survive. However, one cat named Leonardo DiCaprio did survive, capturing the attention of many.
Leonardo, affectionately called Leo, is a hairless cat living in Highlands Ranch. His family started noticing signs of illness at the end of January. “He was acting strange with his new sweater,” said Camille, Leo’s owner. Shortly after, Leo seemed lethargic and had a fever, prompting multiple visits to the vet.
During his check-ups, Leo’s owners were informed that he had eaten raw chicken food from Savage Pet. Testing confirmed he had contracted the H5 Influenza A virus, the strain responsible for bird flu. It turned out that the virus may have been present in the cat food.
“I was in disbelief,” JJ, Leo’s owner, said, “You don’t think a house cat would catch bird flu.”
Now, Leo has gained a notable status; he’s the only known house cat in Colorado to survive the virus. On March 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Savage Pet recalled specific batches of their chicken cat food due to potential bird flu risks. A member of the company said everything is inspected by the USDA to ensure safety.
“The news about the food was frustrating,” Camille mentioned. Since the incident, Leo has switched to a cooked diet, which he seems to enjoy even more than his raw food.
This story highlights the growing concern over how bird flu impacts not just livestock but our pets as well. Experts note that while the risk to pets is low, awareness is essential. A recent survey indicates that many pet owners are now reconsidering the types of food they provide for their pets.
Leo’s situation is a reminder for all pet owners to be vigilant about their pets’ health, particularly when feeding raw diets. It also stresses the importance of thorough inspections and quality control in pet foods.
For ongoing updates on pet safety and food recalls, you can visit the FDA website.
Check out this related article: Unveiling New Hampshire’s Bold Plan to Transform Food Production and Strengthen Local Food Systems
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