Cats Caught in Bird Flu Mess

Cats are usually known for their independent nature and love for birds, but recently, some have found themselves in a serious situation. In Oregon, five cats from different households tested positive for the highly contagious bird flu virus, known as HPAI, between December 2024 and February 2025. The first case in Oregon was detected back in December 2022. The Oregon Department of Agriculture revealed that two of these cats, from different homes in Multnomah County, caught the virus after eating contaminated raw pet food. The source of the contamination was traced back to a specific batch of raw pet food manufactured by Wild Coast Raw in Olympia, Washington. Both cats had to be put down due to the severity of their illness. In Ohio, the bird flu outbreak has been even more devastating. Over 10 million birds and at least one person have been affected this year alone. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has been working hard to contain the spread and protect both animals and humans. The outbreak of bird flu in cats raises some important questions. Why are cats getting sick from bird flu? The answer lies in their diet. Cats that eat raw pet food are at a higher risk of contracting the virus if the food is contaminated. This highlights the importance of proper food handling and sourcing. The situation also brings to light the broader issue of animal health and the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. When one species is affected, it can have ripple effects on others. This is a reminder that we need to be vigilant about the health of all animals, not just those we consider pets. It's crucial for pet owners to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. This includes choosing safe and properly regulated pet food and being cautious about where and what their pets eat. By doing so, we can help protect our furry friends from such dangerous illnesses.