The risk of humans getting bird flu is quite low, according to the CDC. However, people who work closely with sick animals, like poultry and dairy workers, are at a higher risk.
Recently, the Oregon Department of Agriculture warned pet owners to check the lot numbers on certain Wild Coast Raw pet food after two cats became seriously ill and were later euthanized. This came after tests showed they had bird flu after consuming the same raw food brand.
The department confirmed that the food they ate tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. It’s important to note that these cats lived in different households but both had consumed the same product. The Washington State Department of Agriculture also warned about the risks associated with some of Wild Coast Raw’s pet food products.
Health officials in Oregon are advising against feeding pets any undercooked or raw meat and unpasteurized milk. Such foods are believed to have contributed to other pet illnesses and fatalities linked to the virus.
In response to the situation, Tyler Duncan, founder of Wild Coast Pet Foods, announced that they are halting sales of specific product lots. He encouraged customers to throw away any affected products and request a full refund.
Duncan stated that customers concerned about their pets should consider cooking the food to 165 degrees or switch to a different formula. Wild Coast primarily sources chicken from California and ensures that their poultry is from USDA-inspected facilities. The company is currently working with a lab to screen their products for bird flu.
Bird flu is having a significant impact in California, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency. The outbreak has led to millions of chickens and turkeys being affected and has also impacted dairy herds significantly.
Last month, health officials in Los Angeles County warned about another pet food brand, Monarch Raw Pet Food, after H5 bird flu was found in some samples. Just a week before, Northwest Naturals had to recall a line of raw and frozen pet food linked to the death of a cat in Oregon.
Raw pet food has become quite popular in the U.S., growing into a $3 billion industry despite warnings from health authorities. Studies by the FDA have shown that raw pet foods can carry diseases, posing risks to both pets and their owners.
Since 2004, domestic cats have been known to contract bird flu. However, the current outbreak in the U.S. shows a stark contrast, with mortality rates among cats appearing much higher. Previously, about half of infected cats would die, but recent data suggests that around 90% are now perishing.
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