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Another Cat Euthanized After Eating Raw Food Tainted With Bird Flu

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/05 .. after-eating-raw-food-tainted-with-bird-flu.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 8:44 GMT by gizmodo.com
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Raw‑Pet‑Food Risk: Another Cat Euthanized After Devouring Bird‑Flu‑Taunted Food

In a stark reminder that the surge of avian influenza (bird‑flu) in the United States can now reach household pets, a second cat has been euthanized after consuming raw pet food found to be contaminated with the H5N1 virus. The incident, reported by Gizmodo, echoes the very first death of a cat in the U.S. that was traced back to raw pet food in 2023, and signals a continuing public‑health issue that could have far‑reaching implications for pet owners and the raw‑food industry alike.

The Incident and Its Context

According to the Gizmodo piece, a domestic cat in New Jersey (the exact location was not disclosed) was euthanized after it ate a batch of raw tuna‑flavored pet food that was later confirmed to carry the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The cat presented with acute respiratory distress, and veterinarians ruled a severe viral infection as the cause of death. The food, part of a broader line of “natural” raw diets marketed for felines and canines, was originally sourced from a supplier that had previously been linked to an outbreak of avian influenza in livestock and poultry.

This is the second confirmed case of a pet dying from a raw‑pet‑food‑related H5N1 infection in the United States, following a 2023 incident in Texas in which a cat succumbed to the same pathogen after ingesting a raw cat food that had been traced back to the same distributor. The Texas case prompted a federal recall of the implicated products and spurred the FDA to issue new safety guidelines for raw pet food manufacturers.

What the FDA and CDC Say About the Threat

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been on high alert about the presence of H5N1 in raw pet foods. In August 2023, the agency issued a statement warning pet owners to avoid feeding their animals raw diets that could contain animal viruses, and to consider commercially prepared, cooked products that are regulated for safety. The agency’s 2023 “Food Safety Modernization Act” enforcement actions included a notice of intent to investigate raw pet food manufacturers that may be violating federal regulations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also highlighted the potential zoonotic risk of avian influenza from pet food. In a press release last spring, the CDC noted that while the primary mode of transmission of H5N1 is through direct contact with infected birds, there was evidence that viruses could be present in contaminated animal tissues and thus may travel from the feed supply chain into pet products. The CDC specifically warned that infected pet food could act as a vehicle for the virus, potentially exposing both animals and humans to the virus, though human cases linked to pet food remain exceedingly rare.

The Raw‑Pet‑Food Market and Its Risks

The raw‑pet‑food industry has boomed in recent years, with millions of pets worldwide being fed diets that mimic what a cat or dog might eat in the wild—raw muscle, organs, and bones. Proponents argue that raw diets are “natural” and free of preservatives, but critics point out that they lack regulatory oversight and can harbor harmful pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and now H5N1.

The Gizmodo article cites industry analysts who warn that raw pet foods are essentially unregulated “home‑cooked” meals that are sold commercially. Because they are not cooked, any viruses or bacteria present in the animal tissues are not destroyed. The FDA has pointed out that while raw pet food manufacturers are required to follow certain standards for animal health and feed safety, there is still a lack of routine testing for avian influenza viruses in these products.

The industry’s “natural” marketing has attracted a vocal consumer base that often prefers raw diets to "pre-prepared" options. However, veterinary experts caution that a raw diet is not a panacea for a healthy pet, and the risk of infection outweighs any perceived nutritional benefits. Several veterinary associations have issued statements urging owners to consider more heavily regulated, commercial pet foods that are cooked to eliminate pathogens.

What Pet Owners Should Know

The recent deaths of two cats highlight that raw pet food can be a hidden source of serious illness. Pet owners are encouraged to:

1. Avoid Raw Diets – Stick to commercial, cooked pet foods that are regulated and certified for safety.
2. Check for Recalls – Stay up to date with the FDA’s recall list (available on their website) and do not use recalled products.
3. Consult a Veterinarian – Before changing your pet’s diet, seek professional advice, especially if you have a cat that is young, elderly, or immunocompromised.
4. Practice Hygiene – If you do use raw diets, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw food, and avoid cross‑contamination with foods intended for humans.

The Gizmodo piece ends on a cautionary note that the raw‑pet‑food market is still largely unregulated, and that pet owners should exercise caution and stay informed about any potential risks. The United States is still grappling with a high number of bird‑flu cases in poultry farms, and while human cases from direct bird contact remain relatively low, the introduction of avian influenza into the pet food supply chain has added a new layer of complexity to public‑health efforts.

Final Thoughts

The second case of a cat dying from H5N1 in raw pet food demonstrates that the threat of avian influenza to pets is no longer a theoretical risk; it is an active, real‑world danger that requires the attention of veterinarians, pet owners, regulators, and the raw‑pet‑food industry. In a landscape where millions of pets depend on human‑made food, the importance of stringent safety protocols and transparent testing cannot be overstated. The Gizmodo article serves as a sober reminder that when it comes to the safety of our beloved companions, “natural” does not automatically mean “safe.”