12/30/2024
β οΈPet Parent Safety Warningβ οΈ
Protect your pets from the dangers of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as "bird flu."
πΎ Key Updates:
1οΈβ£ Avoid Raw Foods: Do NOT feed your pets raw (unpasteurized) milk, dairy products, or raw/undercooked meat. Cats can contract H5N1 from contaminated raw foods, which can lead to severe illness or death.
2οΈβ£ H5N1 Overview: This bird flu virus is widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and, recently, dairy cows in the U.S. It is zoonotic (can spread to humans), but human-to-human transmission has not been reported in the U.S.
3οΈβ£ Recent Cases: A cat in Oregon died from H5N1 after eating raw pet food. A recall was issued for one batch of Northwest Naturals Feline Turkey Recipe frozen raw food. Other cases in cats linked to raw diets have been reported in various states.
4οΈβ£ No NJ Cases Yet: While no cases of H5N1 in cats have been identified in New Jersey, previous infections in wild birds and poultry have occurred.
5οΈβ£ Prevention is Key: Always feed your pets safe, properly cooked foods to reduce risk.
For more information, visit the USDA website below or consult your veterinarian. Stay safe and protect your furry friends!
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals #:%7E:text=Due%20to%20the%20increased%20interest,Health%20(WOAH)%20WAHIS%20system.