Raw diets have become an increasingly popular choice for pet owners who believe they are more biologically appropriate and offer more health benefits to their animals. However, recent concerns have emerged in response to the unprecedented pandemic of H5N1 avian influenza which has impacted domesticated poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) processed for consumption as well as dairy cattle that supply milk products.
H5N1 was recently linked to infections in two cats and one dog that consumed contaminated bird meat. Both cats consumed raw food products. The dog happened to scavenge a dead goose that tested positive for the virus. Infections were also discovered in cats that consumed raw unpasteurized milk products.
So, what can be done to keep pets safe while we are still learning about H5N1?
- Keep cats and dogs contained (indoors, on leash) so they cannot hunt or scavenge birds that may be infected with the virus.
- Exclude poultry from their raw diet and feed alternative protein sources
- Do not give pets raw colostrum or other unpasteurized dairy products
- Feed a raw diet that has been high-pressure pasteurized to reduce the risk of contamination (this only reduces risk, it doesn’t eliminate it)
- Cook the poultry meat in their diet to an internal temperature of 165F
- Feed a kibble diet
- Wash your hands thoroughly and change clothes/shoes if you have been around livestock or wild birds/animals
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