01/05/2025
H5N1, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, is something we’ve known about for a while—it’s been affecting wild birds and poultry for the past couple of years, staying mostly under the radar. But now, it’s making a concerning leap to mammals, including cows, humans, cats, and dogs. That’s a significant development, and one we need to pay close attention to.
Cats appear to be particularly vulnerable. Recently, there were reports from the West Coast of about a dozen cats who died after consuming raw milk or poultry-based diets contaminated with H5N1. The virus targets their brains, leading to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and severe loss of motor control. Dogs may be slightly less susceptible, but they’re not in the clear. At least one case has been reported of a dog dying after coming into contact with an infected bird. This is a real and emerging risk.
Now, raw diets are a popular choice for many pet owners. They’re marketed as natural, ancestral, even healthier for our pets. But when it comes to H5N1, raw food—particularly raw poultry—is a significant risk. If you’re feeding your pet raw food(including food toppers or treats), we would recommend stopping, at least for now. The same precaution should apply to both cats and dogs. If you choose to continue, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk: avoid poultry-based diets, consider using high-pressure pasteurized (HPP) products, which reduce—but don’t eliminate—the risk. And be meticulous with hygiene: wash your hands, sanitize surfaces, and keep raw food far from human food.
This is a developing situation, and it’s one to watch closely. Keeping your pets safe starts with informed choices, so stay updated on the latest recommendations and recalls. Our pets depend on us to protect them, and with a little awareness, we can do exactly that.
