Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in cats in Washington, as part of an ongoing investigation into potentially contaminated pet food, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced on Wednesday.
The WSDA has issued an alert to pet owners about the two confirmed cases involving domestic indoor cats in King and Snohomish counties. More cats are currently being tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
Officials reported that the affected cats had been fed Wild Coast Raw pet food, which had previously been under a public health alert earlier in February. The pet food was linked to bird flu cases in cats in Oregon.
In the two recent Washington cases, one cat was euthanized due to the severity of the illness, while the other is receiving treatment from a veterinarian, according to officials.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory initially reported presumptive positive results for both cats on Monday, and the WSDA received confirmed results from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday.
The WSDA has outlined common symptoms of bird flu in cats, including lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, hypothermia, pneumonia, neurological abnormalities, and upper respiratory infections.
Pet owners whose cats have consumed the potentially contaminated food and are showing any of these symptoms are advised to contact a veterinarian immediately. It is also recommended that owners inform the vet about the symptoms before arriving at the clinic to prevent the potential spread of the infection.
“This is a difficult situation. We love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill,” said Dr. Zac Turner, a WSDA Field Veterinarian. “If your cat is showing symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.”
According to the WSDA, there have been no reported human cases of bird flu from exposure to infected cats or contaminated pet food. The current strain of the virus is considered low risk to the public. However, there is a higher risk for individuals who handle contaminated raw pet food or care for infected animals.
The WSDA warns that people can become infected with bird flu if the virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen when handling contaminated pet food or touching contaminated surfaces without properly washing hands afterward.
To prevent the spread of the disease, officials recommend isolating sick animals and taking precautions when caring for infected pets. Caregivers should wear a well-fitting face mask and maintain good hygiene practices.
The WSDA continues to monitor the situation and urges veterinarians and pet owners to report any further illnesses potentially linked to the contaminated pet food.
As the investigation unfolds, the WSDA advises against feeding raw pet food or raw milk to pets.
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