Bird Flu in the US: What you need to know

The recent news that bird flu (avian influenza) has been found in raw cat food in the United States has raised concerns among cat parents worldwide. And while UK cats aren't currently at risk, it’s crucial to understand what’s happening. And what steps you can take to keep your cat safe.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. Certain strains, like H5N1, can infect mammals. Including cats.

It's rare, but cases of cats contracting bird flu have been documented when they consume infected poultry. Or interact with infected birds.

Raw cat food is uncooked. And often made from raw meat, organs, and bones. Cat parents choose it because it mimics the natural prey-based diet of wild cats. But raw food carries risks. Including exposure to harmful bacteria, parasites, and, in this case, viruses like bird flu.

A recall of raw cat food was issued after samples tested positive for bird flu. And the contaminated food was linked to cases of cats contracting the virus after consuming infected products. These cases are rare. But they underscore the risks associated with feeding uncooked poultry, especially during outbreaks of avian influenza.

The affected products were quickly removed from shelves, and US authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Cat parents in the US have been advised to check recall notices and avoid feeding their pets raw food sourced from regions experiencing bird flu outbreaks.

Bird flu can enter the raw cat food supply if the poultry used in the food is infected with the virus. Since raw diets aren't cooked, the virus isn’t destroyed during preparation. Cats consuming contaminated raw food are directly exposed to the virus, putting them at risk of infection.

Cooking, including the gentle cooking process KatKin's fresh recipes go through, kills many pathogens. Including viruses like bird flu. Which makes cooked food safer.

Raw diets skip this step. And that can leave cats more exposed to potential infections. While cats’ stomachs are naturally more acidic than humans’, it's not always enough to neutralise dangerous pathogens like H5N1.

Currently, the bird flu contamination is limited to certain raw cat food products in the United States. And there’s no indication that UK raw cat food is affected.

There's no need to panic. So far, the UK bird flu-free. But it's important to stay informed. So you can keep your cat indoors during local bird flu outbreaks. And consider swapping out any raw poultry in your cat's diet for cooked meat.

If your cat shows symptoms like lethargy, respiratory distress, or unusual behaviour after eating raw food or interacting with birds, call your vet immediately. Early intervention is key.

KatKin's fresh recipes are gently-cooked to protect vital nutrients and kill bad bacteria. And 95% of cat parents report amazing health benefits when they switch. Sign up for a 14-day trial today.