#Outdoor roaming of owned #cats elevates #risk of zoonotic #pathogen #exposure: A global synthesis

 

Abstract

Domestic animals play a central role in pathogen transmission at the human–wildlife interface. Domestic cats, in particular, are uniquely consequential in disease spillover dynamics due to their global distribution, large, human-subsidized free-roaming populations, and high contact rate with humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. However, the extent to which human ownership and management mitigate this spillover risk remains a key knowledge gap. To address this gap, we conducted a global systematic review and quantitative synthesis of the prevalence and diversity of zoonotic pathogens in indoor-only, outdoor-owned (roaming unsupervised), and unowned (feral or stray) cats. Our dataset comprised 174,064 individuals from 88 countries, representing 124 pathogen species, 97 of which are zoonotic. Using generalized linear models within a Bayesian framework and rarefaction analyses, we show that ownership provides limited protection against zoonoses when owned cats have unsupervised outdoor access. Outdoor-owned cats were 3–5 times more likely to carry zoonotic pathogens than indoor-only cats, and, notably, had infection odds statistically equivalent to those of feral cats, despite receiving presumed veterinary care and feeding. Feral cats carried the highest pathogen diversity, however, outdoor-owned cats still harbour 1.5 times the helminth richness of indoor cats, highlighting their potential as effective bridges for pathogen spillover. With approximately 62% of owned cats roaming freely worldwide, and rates exceeding 90% in some regions, these findings reveal a major yet overlooked route of zoonotic risk. Public health and One Health frameworks have traditionally focused on feral cats; however, our results highlight the need to explicitly incorporate owned outdoor cats into zoonotic disease prevention strategies by restricting unsupervised roaming and promoting responsible ownership practices. Without such integration, current frameworks risk overlooking a pervasive and preventable pathway for pathogen transmission at the human–wildlife–domestic animal interface.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1014160

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The #Netherlands confirms its first #death from avian #influenza #H5N1 in a #cat (Xinhua, Dec. 3 '25)

 

The Hague, December 2 (Xinhua) 

Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety and Nature, Femke Wilsma, reported on December 1 that the country had confirmed its first death from the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

In a letter to the House of Representatives that day, Wilsma stated that the Institute of Biological Veterinary Medicine at Wageningen University had recently reported that a kitten at a goat farm tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. 

The kitten was found dead by its owner. 

The remaining seven kittens from the same litter also died after being given to other new owners, suggesting that they may have also been infected with the avian influenza virus, but the specific route of infection is still uncertain.

The letter stated that, according to the cat owner, the mother cat had brought back a dead wild bird, which was suspected to have carried the avian influenza virus, and the kittens were infected after eating the carcass. 

The health expert team also tested the goats and adult cats on the farm, but no avian influenza virus was found.

The letter stated that France and other countries had previously reported cases of cats dying from avian influenza. 

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has raised the risk level for those working with infected animals from "low and moderate" to "moderate," while the risk of the general public in the Netherlands contracting avian influenza remains "very low."

The avian influenza situation in the Netherlands is currently quite serious. In October, the Dutch government announced nationwide measures to confine and isolate poultry, and imposed a transportation ban within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site, prohibiting the transport of poultry, hatching eggs, edible eggs, poultry manure, used bedding, and other animals and animal products from farms within that area.

Source: 

Link: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1850474963029153898&wfr=spider&for=pc

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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 in Raw #Pet #Foods and #Milk: A Growing #Threat to both Companion Animals and #Human #Health, and Potential Raw Pet Food Industry Liability

 

Highlights

• Raw pet foods and raw milk are emerging sources of H5N1 in pets.

• Cats are more severely infected with H5N1 when compared to dogs.

• H5N1 persistence in mammals indicate adaptive variants with increased zoonotic potential.

• No reported pet-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported.

• FDA now requires RMBD makers who are covered under FSMA to assess HPAI risk.

Abstract

The increasing popularity of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) and raw milk feeding in companion animals presents a growing concern for zoonotic disease transmission. Recent evidence has demonstrated that these products can serve as vehicles for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, an emergent viral threat with a host range from birds, dairy cattle, and pets to humans. Since the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b in 2020, HPAI H5N1 has caused widespread outbreaks in poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including dairy cattle and cats. Transmission to pets has been linked to ingestion of contaminated raw pet food and unpasteurized milk. Notably, multiple outbreaks in cats across Europe, Asia, and North America have been associated with raw pet food products, while recent U.S. cases confirm direct viral transmission from infected pet food, raw milk, and colostrum. Experimental studies have also supported the plausibility of gastrointestinal and respiratory routes of infection in cats and dogs, with felines appearing particularly susceptible, often exhibiting severe clinical disease and high mortality. A number of documented recalls of H5N1-contaminated raw pet food and raw milk in the US underscore the persistence of infectious viruses in cold-stored food products and highlight the risks of feeding raw diets. Although pet-to-human transmission of the HPAI H5N1 virus has not been reported yet, cat-to-human transmission of the H7N2 influenza virus has been reported in the USA. This review presents current evidence on H5N1 in RMBDs and raw milk, its epidemiology in companion animals, outbreaks, and the health implications among pets and humans. By raising awareness among pet owners, industry stakeholders, and veterinarians, this paper highlights the immediate need for stringent surveillance and improved biosecurity in raw food supply chains to minimize viral transmission risks thereby safeguarding pet health and curb the potential spillover to humans.

Source: Journal of Food Protection, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X25001802?via%3Dihub

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Companion #animals and #H5N1 highly pathogenic avian #influenza: cause for #concern?

Abstract

The first known human infection with a highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus appeared in China in 1997. Between 2003 and 2017, the WHO documented an additional 862 human cases, mainly from southeast Asia and Egypt, with a mean annual case fatality rate of 56%. By 2006, the susceptibility of cats to severe respiratory and neurologic disease became apparent. Scientists raised concerns regarding the potential for domestic cats to transmit novel pathogenic strains to humans. But after 2006, reports of new H5N1 infections in companion animals dwindled, and human cases fell after 2016. In 2021, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses suddenly appeared in Europe and spread rapidly to the Americas, wreaking havoc on wildlife and crippling the poultry and dairy industries. Between 2022 and 2025, dozens of domestic cats died, most often following raw food consumption. Unease regarding the transmission potential of pets resurfaced. Although most human infections in the Americas were mild and associated with poultry or dairy contact, the recent detection of genotype D1.1 in association with severe illness or death is cause for concern. Genotype D1.1 has now also been detected in dairy cattle and domestic cats. Reports of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1a viruses in India suggest a new potential threat. Successful control of H5N1 infections is strongly dependent on a One Health approach. Small animal veterinarians play a key role in this approach through recognition of cases and education of pet owners, thus preserving the human-animal bond.

Source: Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association, https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.25.06.0388/javma.25.06.0388.xml?tab_body=abstract

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Avian #Influenza Virus #Infections in #Felines: A Systematic Review of Two Decades of Literature

Abstract

As an avian influenza virus (AIV) panzootic is underway, the threat of a human pandemic is emerging. Infections among mammalian species in frequent contact with humans should be closely monitored. One mammalian family, the Felidae, is of particular concern. Domestic cats are susceptible to AIV infection and provide a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover to humans. Here, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature to describe the epidemiology and global distribution of AIV infections in felines reported from 2004 to 2024. We identified 607 AIV infections in felines, including 302 associated deaths, comprising 18 countries and 12 felid species. We observed a drastic flux in the number of AIV infections among domestic cats in 2023 and 2024, commensurate with the emergence of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. We estimate that this phenomenon is underreported in the scientific literature and argue that increased surveillance among domestic cats is urgently needed.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases, https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/12/5/ofaf261/8123920

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#USA, #NJ: #H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Confirmed in New Jersey Cats {DoH}

TRENTON, NJ - The first feline case of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in New Jersey has been confirmed in a feral cat from Hunterdon County. 

The case was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and follows previous national reports of confirmed feline cases in other states.  

The cat developed severe disease, including neurologic signs, and was humanely euthanized. 

Other cats on the same property were also reported ill, and one additional indoor-outdoor cat was subsequently confirmed positive for H5 HPAI. Other tests are still pending, and the investigation is ongoing.

The overall public health risk remains low at this time. While H5 HPAI has been detected in humans in the U.S. – primarily in individuals with close contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle – there have been no human cases reported in New Jersey, and none of the cases across the country are known to have resulted from exposure to an infected cat.

Local health officials are working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health in conducting follow up and symptom monitoring on individuals that have been in contact with these cats. All exposed individuals are currently asymptomatic. 

Residents who have had close, unprotected contact with a cat or other animal infected with H5 HPAI should contact their local health department and monitor themselves for symptoms for 10 days following their last exposure.

“While the risk of H5 infection to the general population remains low at this time, it is important for people to learn more about the situation and take steps to avoid potential infection through exposure to animals, including feral cats,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “We continue to work with state and federal partners to monitor the spread of this virus and provide public information on mitigating the risks.”

Cats are particularly susceptible to H5 HPAI and often experience severe disease and high mortality when infected. Potential exposure sources of H5 HPAI for cats include consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw/undercooked meat contaminated with the virus, infected birds or other animals and their environments, or exposure to contaminated clothing or items (fomites) worn or used on affected premises.

The cats tied to this incident in Hunterdon County had no known reported exposures to infected poultry, livestock, or consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk or meat, but did roam freely outdoors, so exposure to wild birds or other animals is unknown.

Clinical signs in cats can include:

-- General signs: Loss of appetite, fever, lethargy

-- Respiratory signs: Discharge from the eyes and mouth, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing

-- Neurologic signs: Seizures, circling, wobbling gait, blindness.

New Jersey residents should contact their veterinarian immediately if they are concerned that their cat may have H5 bird flu. Anyone who suspects a possible exposure or who has H5 HPAI concerns about their cat should contact their veterinarian prior to bringing the cat in to be seen so that the veterinarian can take the necessary precautions to prevent spread of disease. Residents who observe a sick stray or feral cat should contact their local animal control for assistance.

Veterinarians who suspect H5 HPAI in a cat should follow CDC recommendations to help protect themselves and prevent exposures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling the cats. All suspect feline cases should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-4872 or zoonoticrn@doh.nj.gov. Testing for suspect feline cases is available at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, a member of the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Guidance for veterinarians on specimen collection and submission can be found here.

New Jersey residents can find additional information and recommendations on ways to help prevent H5 bird flu infection in cats from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Additionally, cat owners can take the following steps to help protect their pets:

-- Do not feed cats raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products, and avoid feeding any raw or undercooked meat treats or diets.

-- Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.

-- Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments.

-- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.

-- Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.

-- Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.

-- Contact a veterinarian if you notice signs of H5 HPAI or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus.

“The H5N1 virus has the ability to move from one species to another,” New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said. "That is why we have worked closely with our poultry and dairy industries on biosecurity measures to prevent exposure by wild animals, and feral cats are another example of the risks to livestock and humans.”

“Despite low risk to the public, avian influenza is believed to be present in wild birds in all of New Jersey’s counties,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “The Department of Environmental Protection continues to work closely with state and federal partners to track and respond to avian flu in wild birds and keep the public informed.” 

NJDOH continues to work in collaboration with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA) to monitor occurrences of H5N1 Avian Influenza and its impact in the State.

If you find sick or dead wild birds, do not handle them. Contact the NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP. 

To report sick or dead poultry, do not handle them. Contact the NJDA Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400. 

Additional Resources

- NJ.gov - H5N1 Information: nj.gov/H5N1

- NJ Department of Health, Communicable Disease Service - Novel Influenza: nj.gov/health/cd/topics/novel_flu.shtml

- NJ Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory - Contact Information: nj.gov/agriculture/ahdl/contact

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/animals/index.html

- American Veterinary Medical Association - Avian influenza A (H5N1) in cats: avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

Source: Department of Health, https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2025/approved/20250228a.shtml

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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A (#H5N1) Clade 2.3.2.1a virus #infection in domestic #cats, #India, 2025

Abstract

In January 2025, the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.2.1a infection was detected in domestic cats and whole-genome sequencing of two cat H5N1 isolates was performed using the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing platform. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of triple reassortant viruses in cats. Although cat viruses lacked classic mammalian adaptation markers they carried mutations associated with enhanced polymerase activity in mammalian cells and increased affinity for α2-6 sialic acid receptor suggesting their potential role in facilitating infection in cats. The identification of reassortant HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1a viruses in domestic cats in India highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance in domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including humans, to track genomic diversity and molecular evolution of circulating strains.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.23.638954v1

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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) Virus #Infection of Indoor Domestic #Cats Within #Dairy Industry #Worker #Households — #Michigan, May 2024

Summary

-- What is already known about this topic?

- Outdoor cats on U.S. dairy farms have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus; infection has not been reported in indoor cats.

-- What is added by this report?

- HPAI A(H5N1) virus was detected in two indoor domestic cats with respiratory and neurologic illness that lived in homes of dairy workers but had no known direct exposure to HPAI A(H5N1)–affected farms. Both dairy workers declined testing; other household members received negative test results for influenza A.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- Veterinarians in states with confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) in livestock should consider obtaining household occupational information, testing for influenza A viruses, and wearing personal protective equipment when evaluating companion cats with respiratory or neurologic illness. Suspected cases should be reported to public and animal health officials.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 infection has been documented in cats on U.S. dairy cattle farms. In May 2024, the detection of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in two cats that were reported to be exclusively indoor, and that had respiratory and neurologic illness in different households, prompted an investigation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MDHHS/MMDHD). The cats’ owners and household members were interviewed and offered testing for influenza A(H5) virus. The owner of one cat worked on a dairy farm but declined A(H5) testing; three other household members received negative A(H5) test results. The owner of the other cat lived alone and worked on multiple dairy farms transporting unpasteurized milk; this worker also reported getting splashed in the face and eyes by unpasteurized milk but declined A(H5) testing. Both workers were employed in a county known by MDHHS/MMDHD to have HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13–positive dairy cattle. In states with confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) in livestock, veterinary care can be aided if veterinarians obtain household members’ occupational information, especially when evaluating cats with signs of respiratory or neurologic illness. If occupational exposure to HPAI A(H5N1)-infected livestock is identified among cat owners, and their companion cats are suspected to have HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection, it is important that veterinarians contact state and federal public health and animal health officials to collaborate on joint One Health investigations and testing to protect human and animal health.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7405a2.htm?s_cid=mm7405a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145231&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2020%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145231

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#USA, After #Birdflu Detected in Local #Cat, County #Health Officials Say #Pet Owners Should Contact Veterinarian When Their Pets are Sick

Redwood City — State veterinary and health officials have confirmed a case of H5N1 (bird flu) in a domestic stray cat in San Mateo County. 

The infection, which is not related to the recent instance of bird flu in a backyard flock, was found in a stray cat in Half Moon Bay that had been taken in by a family. 

When it showed symptoms, they took it to Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined it and requested testing. Lab results confirmed H5N1. 

It is not known how the cat was infected and it was euthanized due to its condition.

Cats may be exposed to bird flu by consuming infected bird, being in environments contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows or raw food. Inside domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that go outside are also at risk of infection.​​​​​​​

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is extremely low, though it is possible for cats to spread some strains of bird flu to people.

While there are no human cases of H5N1 related to this case, this detection in a cat highlights the importance of being proactive about preventing the spread of the virus.

Residents whose pets show signs of illness should contact their veterinarian.

Pets infected with H5N1 may experience a loss of appetite, lethargy and fever, along with neurologic signs, including circling, tremors, seizures or blindness. The illness may quickly progress to:

-- Severe depression

-- Discharge from eyes or nose

-- Other respiratory signs, such as rapid shallow breathing, difficulty breathing and sneezing or coughing

-- Pets with severe illness may die.

If a pet is showing signs of illness consistent with bird flu and has been exposed to infected (sick or dead) wild birds or poultry, residents should contact a veterinarian and monitor their own health for signs of fever or infection.

“We all want to make sure our companion animals are healthy and safe from disease,” said Lori Morton-Feazell, San Mateo County’s chief of Animal Control and Licensing. “If your pet is sick, your veterinarian can determine whether it should be tested for bird flu or any other virus or disease.”

(...)

Source: County of San Mateo, https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/after-bird-flu-detected-local-cat-county-health-officials-say-pet-owners-should-contact

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#USA, #USDA: APHIS Updates #Policy to Enhance #Surveillance of #Turkey #Flocks in Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Affected States

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2025—As part of its ongoing, multi-faceted efforts to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today is updating its policy for pre-slaughter surveillance to enhance testing of turkey flocks in affected states. 

In late December 2024, APHIS became aware of a genetic link between turkeys potentially infected with HPAI H5N1, virus detected in raw pet food, and an infected household cat.

Out of an abundance of caution, and to remove a potential avenue for ongoing disease spread as well as to bolster consumer and trading partner confidence, APHIS collaborated with state animal health officials and the poultry industry to update its guidance for existing pre-slaughter surveillance steps to further ensure that affected poultry does not enter the food system. APHIS will continue to report confirmed HPAI detections to the World Organisation for Animal Health and on the APHIS website (more information below).

These updates include implementing isolation with clinical monitoring and premovement testing 72 hours prior to sending to slaughter, for turkey premises outside control areas in HPAI-affected states. 

Specifically, APHIS will be piloting this enhanced pre-slaughter surveillance, starting with turkey premises greater than 500 birds in Minnesota and South Dakota, based on current and historical HPAI detections of commercial turkey premises in these states. These states were selected because of genetic linkages to virus from infected cats and because of the high percentage of cases in turkeys in those states. APHIS will continue to evaluate progress of the outbreak and may update this policy, if needed, to include additional states.

USDA consistently operates on a science-based, step-by-step approach, informed by what it learns about this virus through its everyday work and research and surveillance efforts. APHIS will continue to update its guidance for pre-slaughter surveillance schemes as USDA continues to follow the science on HPAI.

In May 2024, USDA announced the transfer of $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to APHIS to directly support H5N1 response efforts. This funding supports anticipated diagnostics; field response activities; pre-movement testing requirements; other necessary surveillance and control activities, including surveillance in wildlife; the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) work in developing vaccines for HPAI in cattle, turkeys, pigs, and goats; and food safety studies carried out by ARS and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

USDA remains confident in the safety of the food supply. FSIS, APHIS, and ARS have completed multiple studies to confirm that poultry and eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Additionally, to verify the safety of the meat supply, these agencies have completed three separate beef safety studies related to avian influenza in meat from dairy cattle.

APHIS continues to work closely with state animal health officials on surveillance efforts to look for the virus in commercial, backyard, and wild birds. We also continue to encourage all bird owners to practice strong biosecurity—that means reducing opportunities for wildlife to spread the virus to their birds and preventing the spread of the virus from one premises to another. APHIS will continue to publicly post poultry detections on its dashboard. USDA also makes genetic sequences from the U.S. H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus available on GISAID (the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (use search term “WGS of H5N1”).

(...)

Source: US Department of Agriculture, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-updates-policy-enhance-surveillance-turkey-flocks-highly-pathogenic

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#USA, #FDA: #Cat and #Dog #Food #Manufacturers Required to Consider #H5N1 in Food #Safety Plans

January 17, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that it is necessary for manufacturers of cat and dog foods who are covered by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule and using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized eggs) to reanalyze their food safety plans to include Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (specifically H5N1) as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. 

Furthermore, the FDA is issuing this update to ensure that cat and dog food manufacturers are aware of information about the new H5N1 hazard associated with their pet food products, which is an additional reason that manufacturers must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plans.

The FDA is tracking cases of H5N1 in domestic and wild cats in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State that are associated with eating contaminated food products. 

Scientific information is evolving, but at this time it is known that H5N1 can be transmitted to cats and dogs when they eat products from infected poultry or cattle (e.g., unpasteurized milk, uncooked meat, or unpasteurized eggs) that have not undergone a processing step that is capable of inactivating the virus, such as pasteurizing, cooking or canning. 

Cats (domestic and large felids) in particular can experience severe illness or death from infection with H5N1. Dogs can also contract H5N1, although they usually exhibit mild clinical signs and low mortality compared to cats. At present, H5N1 has not been detected in dogs in the United States, but there have been fatal cases in other countries. 

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule requires that certain animal food businesses develop a food safety plan. In this food safety plan, animal food businesses must identify and evaluate known or reasonably foreseeable hazards for each type of animal food manufactured, processed, packed, or held at their facility to determine whether there are any hazards requiring a preventive control. 

Businesses must identify these hazards based on experience, illness data, scientific reports, and other information. In the hazard evaluation, animal food businesses must assess the severity of the illness or injury to humans or animals if the hazard were to occur and the probability that the hazard will occur in the absence of preventive controls. The animal food industry can find guidance related to these requirements in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Guidance for Industry #245, “Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals.”

Under the PCAF requirements, animal food businesses must conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plan when the FDA determines it is necessary to respond to new hazards and developments in scientific understanding. The FDA has determined that it is necessary for cat and dog food manufacturers covered by the PCAF rule, who are using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle (e.g., uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized eggs) in cat or dog food, to reanalyze their food safety plans to include H5N1 as a new known or reasonably foreseeable hazard. 

The reanalysis is necessary to respond to the recent domestic cat illnesses and deaths described above and to scientific data indicating that cats and dogs have become ill from consuming H5N1 virus. 

Manufacturers that implement a preventive control for the H5N1 hazard as a result of their reanalysis will be taking an important step toward protecting cat and dog health and helping to prevent spread of H5N1. Addressing H5N1 will require a concerted effort across sectors, including by government, businesses, and consumers.

Manufacturers also are required to conduct a reanalysis of their food safety plans when they become aware of new information about potential hazards associated with animal food. The FDA and the American Veterinary Medical AssociationExternal Link Disclaimer have previously published information on risks to pets from H5N1, which has been amplified in mainstream media. Some additional published references are listed below. 

As we learn more about the transmission of H5N1 in animal food, there are several practices that the FDA is encouraging pet food manufacturers and others in the supply chain to use to significantly minimize or prevent H5N1 transmission through animal food. 

These practices include seeking ingredients from flocks or herds that are healthy, and taking processing steps, such as heat treatment, that are capable of inactivating viruses. 

For example, some businesses already implement a heat treatment step that is capable of inactivating the virus as a process control. Heat treatments have been shown to be effective for inactivating H5N1 in meat, milk, and egg products. A different practice would be to implement a supply-chain-applied control to provide assurance that ingredients used in animal food do not come from H5N1-infected animals. 

To assist animal food businesses as they conduct their reanalysis, we have included a summary of current scientific literature regarding (1) the prevalence of H5N1 in cattle and poultry and their animal-derived ingredients, (2) the severity of H5N1 illness or injury in cats and dogs, and (3) the impact of processing steps on inactivating H5N1. 

The FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remain confident in the safety of the food supply. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and  Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have completed multiple studies to confirm that meat, poultry and eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Additionally, to verify the safety of the meat these agencies have completed three separate beef safety studies related to avian influenza in meat from dairy cattle. Furthermore, USDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have performed multiple retail sampling studies to reaffirm the safety of the pasteurized milk supply and milk products.

Source: US Food and Drugs Administration, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/cat-and-dog-food-manufacturers-required-consider-h5n1-food-safety-plans

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#Iceland, Avian #influenza #H5N5 in #cats

 {Original text in Icelandic, translated, edited.}

The Icelandic University of Iceland's Pathology Laboratory at Keldur notified the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority on January 6 that a kitten that arrived at the laboratory for autopsy had been diagnosed with a severe strain of avian influenza (H5N5). 

This is the same strain that has been detected in wild birds in Iceland since September last year and on one poultry farm in early December. 

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority immediately issued instructions for disease control to prevent the spread of the infection and is now working to trace the infection. 

Symptoms of the disease in this cat included loss of appetite, weakness, stiffness, tremors, seizures and other neurological symptoms. 

Cat owners are asked to contact a veterinarian immediately if they notice such symptoms in their cats.

The cat diagnosed with bird flu was a 10-week-old kitten that died on December 22. The littermate the kitten was from and another kitten from the same litter died after a short illness two days earlier. They were not tested. 

The kitten's other littermates had left the home before the illness occurred and are all asymptomatic today. 

The cats are from Ísafjörður, but the kitten diagnosed with the infection had arrived in Reykjavík. The owners of all the cats have been contacted.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority believes that it is most likely that the cats were infected by an infected wild bird. 

At present, there is no evidence of infection in more cats, but the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority asks cat owners and veterinarians to be on the lookout for symptoms that may indicate avian influenza infection. 

There have been a number of diagnoses in wild birds in recent months, and therefore there is some risk that cats can become infected while hunting or from carcasses they come across. 

However, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority does not believe the risk is so great that there is reason to warn against letting cats outside. 

People are, however, reminded to always maintain general hygiene when interacting with animals and caring for them. 

General information about avian influenza and guidelines for disease prevention can be found on the website of the Directorate of Health . 

It is worth noting that the risk of infection for people caused by the avian influenza virus is low, according to information on the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) .

In recent years, avian influenza has been increasingly detected in various species of mammals around the world. The most common type is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. This trend clearly demonstrates the virus's ability to adapt to new animal species. One of the greatest concerns worldwide is the current outbreak of avian influenza in dairy cows in the United States caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. However, the genotype of the virus in question has not yet been identified anywhere else in the world. Detailed information about this can be found on the websites of the United States Department of Agriculture USDA and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) .

Few cases of the virulent H5N5 strain have been reported in mammals. This strain has been mainly found in wild birds in the Arctic, but last year it was also found in red foxes and lynx in Norway, otters in the Netherlands, lynxes in Finland, and red foxes, skunks, and raccoons in Canada. No cases of this strain in domestic animals have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to date.

In recent years, WOAH has placed great emphasis on combating the spread of avian influenza and published on its website in December a call for all nations of the world to place greater emphasis on monitoring and actions to prevent the spread of dangerous avian influenza viruses.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority reiterates its recommendation to the public to report wild birds and wild mammals found dead, when the cause of death is not obvious. This is best done by registering a tip on the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority website. It is important to clearly describe the location, preferably by recording coordinates.

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Source: MAST, https://www.mast.is/is/um-mast/frettir/frettir/fuglainfluensa-i-ketti

#Iceland - #Influenza A #H5N5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) ({household #cats}) (2017-) - Immediate notification [FINAL]

Three cats (one adult female and two 10 week old kittens) from the same household died on December 20., 21. and 22. after they had been ill for only a few days. The main clinical signs were lethargy, anorexia, cramps and stiffness. Other kittens from the same litter had been rehomed before those three got sick and they have not shown any symptoms. The most probable source of infection is wild birds. HPAI H5N5 have been diagnosed in a few wild birds in Iceland since September last year.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6168

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#USA, #Oregon: Morasch #Meats of #Portland Voluntary #Recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2lb #Feline #Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen #Pet #Food Due to #HPAI {#H5N1} Contamination

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is alerting pet owners that samples of Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food tested positive for a H5N1 strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus. 

Testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University confirmed a house cat in Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the raw frozen pet food. 

Tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat.

“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz. 

“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”

Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon-based company, is voluntarily recalling its Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food. 

The recalled product is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. 

The product was sold nationwide through distributors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, PA, RI and WA in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. 

Customers who have purchased the recalled product should immediately discard the product and contract the place of purchase for a full refund. 

For additional information or questions, customers may contact Northwest Naturals of Portland at info@nw-naturals.net or 866-637-1872 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM PST, Monday through Friday

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who had contact with the cat for flu symptoms. 

To date, no human cases of HPAI have been linked to this incident, and the risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low in Oregon. 

Since 2022, OHA has partnered with ODA through a One Health approach to investigate human exposures to animal outbreaks of avian influenza.

To avoid the spread of disease, including HPAI, state, and federal experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:

-- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products

-- Avoid consuming raw dairy

-- Limit contact with sick or dead animals

-- Wash your hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick/dead animals

-- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711

-- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl

This case reminds us that feeding raw meat products to pets or consuming them yourself can lead to severe illness. 

Raw meat may contain harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and H5N1. These pathogens are destroyed when meat is thoroughly cooked. 

Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized, can also carry harmful germs. Pasteurization of milk eliminates disease-causing pathogens, including HPAI.

Although Oregon has reported one confirmed human case of HPAI, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in dairy cows or cow milk. 

As a precautionary measure, ODA announced on December 11 that it will test milk from every commercial dairy across the state. Neighboring states such as Idaho, Nevada, and California have reported HPAI cases in dairy cattle herds, contributing to over 700 confirmed cases in 16 states nationwide.

Source: Department of Agriculture, https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODA/Posts/Post/morasch-meats-voluntary-recall-feline-raw-pet-food-hpai

#USA, #California: Confirmed #H5 #Birdflu Detected in #LA County #Cats That Consumed Recalled Raw #Milk - Public Health Investigating Additional Possible Cases in Cats

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of H5 bird flu in cats that consumed recalled raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC. In addition, Public Health is investigating three other possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household.

The confirmed two infected indoor cats from one household consumed raw milk linked to a recall of raw milk and cream products prior to onset of symptoms, which included lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs. The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness, and subsequently tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Public Health received the results of confirmatory testing, which confirmed the infection of H5 bird flu. Additional pets in the home are under quarantine.

Public Health is now investigating additional possible cases of H5 bird flu in three cats from a different household. One cat has tested positive for Influenza A, a rare result in cats. Two other cats, which have died after worsening respiratory illness, are presumed to have also been positive for Influenza A. Public Health is awaiting confirmatory testing. These cats were not known to be exposed to raw milk, however public health is investigating other possible sources of infection, including raw meat.

The nationwide H5 bird flu outbreak has seen other cats infected with the virus after consuming infected raw milk.

People who had direct contact with the cats are monitoring for symptoms and have been offered antiviral prophylaxis. There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats yet identified. The investigation is ongoing.

Although human cases of bird flu are rare and the risk to residents remains low, this detection of H5 bird flu in cats who consumed raw milk underscores the importance of being proactive about preventing ongoing transmission of the virus.

“The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but these confirmed cases of the virus in pet cats are a reminder that consuming raw dairy and meat products can lead to severe illness in cats," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.”

Cats may be exposed to H5 bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals, being in environments contaminated with the virus, and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows. Cats infected with H5 bird flu may develop severe illness that can include fever and neurologic signs, and that can rapidly progress to death. Transmission of the H5 bird flu virus from mammal to mammal can occur. Cats have transmitted another influenza strain to humans, but there have been no known cases to date of H5 bird flu transmitted from cats to humans as part of this nationwide H5 bird flu outbreak.

Raw milk, which is milk that has not been pasteurized, can carry harmful germs including influenza. These germs can present serious health risks to you, your family, and your pets. Anyone can become sick from drinking raw milk or consuming raw milk products. The people at the highest risk for severe illness include people who are pregnant, adults 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years, and people with weakened immune systems.

Public Health continues to strongly encourage residents to avoid consuming raw milk and to not feed it to their pets; this includes frozen raw milk products since freezing does not eliminate harmful germs that can cause illness. Pasteurized milk remains safe to drink.

Symptoms of H5 bird flu infection in humans include eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing and fever.

Anyone who has consumed these specific recalled raw milk products and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department.

Samples from birds, cats, and wild mammals in LA County continue to be tested for H5 bird flu at our Public Health Laboratory. In addition, the Public Health Laboratory routinely tests clinical specimens from humans for H5 bird flu as part of ongoing surveillance.

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Source: Los Angeles County Public Health Department, http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4908

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