Oregon cats are at risk from a deadly H5N1 bird flu outbreak, with two deaths reported in two months.
Oregon cats face a deadly threat. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, has killed two felines in just two months.
Health officials and pet safety advocates are urging pet owners to act now to protect their animals.
The Outbreak: What Happened?
In December 2024, a cat in Washington County, Oregon, died after eating raw pet food contaminated with the H5N1 virus. This incident triggered a nationwide recall of the affected product.
Two months later, a second cat in the same county was euthanized after contracting the virus from infected wild ducks and geese.
Both cats showed severe symptoms, including fever, lethargy, breathing difficulties, and loss of appetite. Despite treatment efforts, the virus proved fatal.
Why Are Cats at Risk?
Cats are highly vulnerable to the H5N1 virus.
They can contract it through contact with infected birds, raw meat, or unpasteurized milk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports over a dozen cases of cats falling ill or dying from the virus nationwide, with Oregon among the hardest-hit states.
Wild and domestic cats, including large felids like tigers and lynx, have also suffered in previous outbreaks. This highlights the virus’s ability to cross species barriers.
What Pet Owners Need to Know
Health officials recommend these precautions to protect your pets:
- Avoid Raw Pet Food: Raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk often carry H5N1. Choose cooked or commercially processed pet food instead.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Keep cats indoors and away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle to reduce infection risks.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or interacting with animals. Change clothes and shoes if you’ve been near sick animals.
The FDA is urging pet food manufacturers to update safety protocols. This includes sourcing ingredients from healthy flocks and using heat treatment to kill viruses.
Some companies now use high-pressure processing (HPP) to reduce risks, but cooking remains the most effective method to eliminate H5N1.
The contamination of raw pet food has also led to product recalls and federal investigations into the pet food supply chain.
The H5N1 outbreak threatens not only pets but also public health. While human cases are rare, the virus’s ability to infect multiple species raises concerns.
Veterinarians and health officials are working together to monitor the situation and guide pet owners.
The deaths of two Oregon cats underscore the urgent need for pet owners to protect their animals from H5N1 bird flu. Avoid raw pet food, limit outdoor exposure, and practice good hygiene to keep your pets safe.
For more information, visit the FDA’s official website or consult your local veterinarian.