As the outbreak of bird flu continues to affect both animals and humans, the recent death of a house cat in Oregon and a pet food recall have raised concerns about pet safety. The virus, which has been spreading among wild birds, chickens, turkeys, and other animals for years, was first detected in U.S. dairy cattle earlier this year.

Health officials in Oregon linked the cat’s illness to frozen cat food containing raw turkey, highlighting the dangers of feeding pets raw meat. Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, from the American Veterinary Medical Association, emphasized the importance of cooking meat and pasteurizing raw milk to eliminate disease-causing germs.

While cases of bird flu in pets are rare, cats appear to be more susceptible to the virus than dogs. Symptoms in cats may include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and respiratory issues. To protect pets from bird flu, owners should avoid feeding them unpasteurized dairy products or raw meat and keep them away from wild birds and poultry.

Northwest Naturals, a pet food company in Portland, Oregon, recently issued a voluntary recall of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. Consumers are advised to check for “best if used by” dates and contact the place of purchase for a refund if affected.

Overall, pet owners should be vigilant about their pets’ health and take preventive measures to avoid the spread of bird flu. By following proper food handling practices and keeping pets away from potential sources of infection, they can help protect their beloved animals from this potentially dangerous virus.