Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the connection to your pet’s health
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has made headlines as more poultry and dairy farms have been affected around the country and notably in Oregon. Not only are humans becoming infected from direct exposure to infected animals, but scientists have also found other animals can become infected from ingestion of raw milk and food. This article is meant to help provide knowledge around HAPI and how it can affect your pet’s health, especially our pet cats.
We will share information as it relates to your pet’s health. Transmission of HPAI to humans has already occurred, and more mutations that allow it to become even more infectious with more serious human health outcomes are anticipated. If you have concerns regarding exposure to HPAI please contact a human health professional.
WHAT IS HPAI?
HPAI is the influenza virus H5N1. This form of the virus has been shown to infect several bird species causing many cases of illness and death in wild populations as well commercial poultry operations across the country.
HPAI has recently been seen in dairy herds and human cases have been reported, along with at least 2 deaths confirmed related to HPAI infection.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
HPAI has been known to infect mammal species through ingestion of infected, raw meat or milk, even though it is mainly considered a respiratory illness.
WHICH PETS ARE MOST LIKELY TO BECOME INFECTED?
Cats with a history of exposure to sick poultry, wild waterfowl, or consumption of raw milk, raw meat or raw pet food are most likely to be at risk of exposure to HPAI.
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS IN ANIMALS?
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Fever
Pneumonia
Neurologic signs (incoordination, head pressing, non-responsiveness)
Upper respiratory infection (eye discharge, nose discharge, sneezing)
Dehydration
Severe sickness and death have been seen in cats infected with HPAI.
WHAT STEPS CAN HELP PROTECT MY PET FROM HPAI?
Do not feed a pet undercooked or raw meat, including uncooked or freeze-dried meat-based diets, treats, or animal products.
Do not feed raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum.
Prevent your pets from eating birds or other wild animals.
Wash your hands after touching raw meat and interacting with poultry, livestock, or animals outside your household.
Consider changing clothing and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status and before interacting with your own pets.
MY PET IS ON RAW FOOD, SHOULD I STOP FEEDING RAW FOOD EVEN IF MY FOOD ISN’T RECALLED?
Yes. Here is the information we know about feeding raw food and HPAI:
Since December 2024, four cats in Oregon have died after exhibiting the above clinical signs. The cats were tested for HPAI and found to carry the same genotype B3.13.
Three of the four cats had consumed commercially prepared raw food diets which tested positive for HPAI. The fourth cat was an outdoor cat with exposure to wild birds.
Here is the diet information:
Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food
Recalled product is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1.
Wild Coast Raw brand Boneless Free Range Chicken formula frozen raw pet food
Affected product is packaged in round, white plastic containers, with a predominantly green label with lots 22660 and 22664 and best by date 12/2025 printed on stickers on the lids.
Due to the HIGH risk for raw foods to be contaminated with HPAI, we highly recommend avoiding raw food diets and feeding raw foods to your pets. Although dogs have not been found to be as susceptible to HPAI, we do not know if future mutations will allow this risk to become higher.
We are here to provide guidance about diet options for your pet. We recommend transitioning to a new diet over the course of a week to ensure your pet has time to adjust and to reduce GI upset.
WHAT IF I SUSPECT MY PET IS SICK WITH HPAI?
If your pet shows any signs of sickness, we always recommend a visit to the vet. Please let our team know the signs you are seeing at home as well as your suspicion for HPAI. Give us a complete diet history to ensure we have the necessary information to develop a plan. Isolate your pet from other pets or animals until your appointment.
Our team will prepare the clinic to evaluate your pet’s health as well as determine appropriate testing and treatment. We will collect samples for testing and work with the state veterinarian to manage your pet’s health.
We know HPAI is a worrisome diagnosis, and we will work together to ensure your pet receives appropriate and kind care during a daunting and confusing time.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about HPAI. Below you will find a comprehensive list of TRUSTED resources about HPAI. Please recognize that scientists and veterinarians are continuing to learn more about HPAI and the connection to our pet’s health as well as human health. Current recommendations may change in the future.
TRUSTED RESOURCES: