ODA: Two Additional Cats Test Positive For H5N1

Two cats from different households in Oregon's Multnomah County have died as a result of bird flu.  Oregon’s Department of Agriculture says both cats got the virus from eating raw pet food made by Wild Coast Raw based in Olympia, WA.

The owners euthanized the cats, because they were very ill.

A list of the potentially risky lot numbers for that pet food is available on the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Website.  According to the ODA, cats, including both domestic and wild cats are particularly sensitive to H5N1 avian influenza, and care should be taken not to expose these animals to the virus.  Dogs can also contract H5N1, though they appear less susceptible to the virus than cats. Tips to help protect your pet from H5N1:

• Do not feed your pet undercooked or raw meat, including uncooked or freeze-dried meat-based diets, treats, or animal products
• Do not feed your pet raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum
• Prevent pets from eating birds or other wild animals
• Wash your hands after touching raw meat and interacting with poultry, livestock, or animals outside your household
• Consider changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status and before interacting with your own pets
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears sick. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has been exposed to raw meat, raw milk, or wild waterfowl.

If you suspect your pet has H5N1, please immediately contact your veterinarian and tell them about any risk factors. Veterinarians must immediately report any suspected cases of influenza in animals to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at (503) 986-4711.  Public health monitors all people exposed to animals infected with HPAI through 10 days following their last exposure. There have been no documented human cases of HPAI following exposure to an infected cat.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com