Tragic Case: San Francisco Cat Contracts Bird Flu from Raw Food, Raising Pet Health Concerns

A somber development has emerged from San Francisco, where a domestic cat has been euthanized following a confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This tragic incident has put a spotlight on the potential dangers of raw pet food, as authorities have linked the cat's illness to contaminated products.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health announced the case, revealing that the cat had fallen severely ill and exhibited symptoms consistent with the virus before its eventual euthanasia.

Investigators quickly identified a crucial link: the cat had been fed a specific brand of raw pet food, Carnivore Meat Company's frozen raw ground kangaroo product. This connection is particularly concerning, as it marks the second reported case in a U.S. cat where H5N1 infection has been tied to raw pet food from this particular manufacturer.

This isn't an isolated incident within the household.

While the infected cat succumbed to the illness, other felines living in the same home also experienced symptoms, though thankfully, they recovered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reiterated that the overall risk of H5N1 transmission to humans from cats remains low. However, this case serves as a stark reminder for pet owners to exercise extreme caution when handling raw pet foods.

Symptoms observed in affected cats can include severe depression, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and even neurological signs.

The virus, primarily found in wild birds, has previously spread to various mammals, and these cases involving domestic cats highlight an additional route of potential exposure, especially when raw animal products are consumed.

In response to the earlier case and ongoing concerns, Carnivore Meat Company had already initiated a voluntary recall of its affected raw pet food products.

Pet owners who may have these products in their freezers are strongly advised to dispose of them immediately and ensure their pets do not consume them.

Health officials are urging pet owners to adopt preventative measures. These include thorough cooking of all pet food to eliminate potential pathogens, minimizing pets' contact with wild animals, particularly birds, and maintaining rigorous hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly after handling pet food or interacting with pets.

While the love for our pets is immense, understanding and mitigating these risks is paramount to ensuring their health and safety, as well as our own.