Avian Flu Alert: Raw Pet Food Linked to Cat's Tragic Death in San Francisco and Human Infection

A distressing case has emerged from San Francisco, serving as a stark warning about the potential dangers lurking in raw pet food. A beloved feline companion, suffering from severe neurological symptoms, was tragically euthanized after being diagnosed with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

This heartbreaking incident marks the first confirmed case of H5N1 in a companion animal in California, and it carries an even more unsettling twist: the cat's owner also tested positive for the virus, experiencing mild, flu-like symptoms before making a full recovery.

Authorities believe the cat contracted the virus through its diet of raw, unpasteurized dairy and raw duck meat, and then potentially transmitted it to its owner.

The cat began exhibiting alarming neurological issues, including difficulty walking and unresponsiveness, in early March. After its condition rapidly deteriorated, a veterinarian made the difficult decision to euthanize the animal.

Subsequent testing by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of H5N1.

This case is a critical reminder of the ongoing risks associated with raw pet food diets. While proponents often cite perceived health benefits, veterinary and public health experts have long cautioned against feeding uncooked meat due to the significant risk of bacterial contamination, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E.

coli. Now, H5N1 avian influenza adds another formidable pathogen to that list.

The CDC and other health organizations have reiterated their strong recommendation against feeding raw pet food. Cooking food effectively eliminates these dangerous pathogens, making it a much safer option for pets and their human companions.

The virus, primarily affecting wild birds, has been increasingly detected in various mammals globally, including dairy cows, wild carnivores, and now, domestic cats.

Prior to this California case, several other states, including Michigan and New York, have reported H5N1 infections in cats, with some instances also linked to raw food consumption.

Symptoms in affected cats can range from respiratory problems to severe neurological dysfunction, as seen in the San Francisco case.

Public health officials emphasize that while the overall risk of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains low, the potential for spillover from infected animals to humans is real.

This incident underscores the importance of exercising caution. Individuals are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, particularly wild birds, and to steer clear of raw milk and raw pet food products. Pet owners who choose to feed raw diets are urged to consult with their veterinarians about the significant risks involved and to ensure strict hygiene practices are followed, although even these may not mitigate all risks associated with novel pathogens like H5N1.