H5N1 in companion animals puts cats, raw diets, and clinics in focus

Companion animals, especially cats, remain an important part of the H5N1 picture as U.S. animal health agencies, veterinary groups, and academic experts warn that exposure is no longer limited to wild birds. Recent guidance and case investigations show cats have become infected after consuming contaminated raw pet food, drinking unpasteurized milk, through predation of infected birds or small mammals, or via exposure linked to infected poultry or dairy environments. AVMA’s Veterinary Vertex recently noted that USDA has documented nearly 70 domestic cat infections this year and about 200 U.S. cat cases since the virus appeared in late 2021, with risk rising again alongside bird migration patterns. Federal regulators have also tightened expectations for pet food manufacturers: the FDA now says covered cat and dog food makers using uncooked or unpasteurized poultry or cattle ingredients must reassess food safety plans to address H5N1 as a foreseeable hazard. (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the practical takeaway is that H5N1 belongs on the differential list for cats with acute respiratory or neurologic signs, particularly if there’s a history of raw diet exposure, raw milk consumption, hunting, or household contact with poultry or dairy operations. CDC says veterinarians should use PPE when evaluating suspected cases and gather occupational exposure history from household members, while Cornell and FDA guidance reinforce counseling pet parents away from raw meat and raw milk diets during this outbreak. AVMA’s podcast discussion also underscored a practical point for client counseling: contaminated raw diets may remain infectious for long periods under refrigeration or freezing, so stored products can continue to pose a risk well after purchase. Dogs appear less affected clinically than cats, but they’re still considered susceptible. (cdc.gov)

What to watch: Expect continued scrutiny of raw pet food, evolving testing recommendations, and more emphasis on clinic biosecurity and One Health reporting as surveillance expands. Given reports that virus in contaminated raw diets can persist in frozen or refrigerated products, recalls and exposure investigations may continue to reach back to food purchased well before illness appears. (statnews.com)