Another House Cat in California Dies from Bird Flu After Eating Raw Pet Food

Public Health officials in San Diego County are looking into a suspected bird flu (H5N1) case involving a cat that passed away after consuming raw pet food, as stated by the county on Wednesday.

The cat died in mid-January, with preliminary tests indicating a positive result. Officials suspect the virus was contracted through raw pet food. This marks the first occurrence of a cat dying from bird flu in San Diego County, although other cases have been reported statewide.

“Bird flu has had a severe impact on wildlife globally, as well as on poultry and dairy cattle in the U.S., and it has rarely affected people and cats,” explained Dr. Seema Shah, the medical director of the County Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch.

She noted that the county is closely monitoring wildlife and scaling up testing efforts while partnering with veterinarians and healthcare providers to offer guidance.

Other house cats in California have also been affected. In December 2024, two cats from separate households in Santa Barbara County became ill and died from bird flu.

“Currently, there is no evidence of local transmission between cats, or from cats to humans, and the risk to the general public remains low,” stated the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, which is still exploring the source of the transmission.

By early January, bird flu had been confirmed in seven domestic cats in Los Angeles County, one raw pet food product, and recalled raw milk.

In Washington state, two domestic cats had contracted bird flu as of February 26, according to the State Department of Agriculture, while several cats in Oregon were reported to have caught the virus, as noted by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association on February 14. The cases are thought to be linked to the consumption of raw pet food or contact with wild waterfowl. Officials recommend against feeding cats unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meats and discourage allowing them to hunt wild birds.

Bird flu primarily affects birds but has also been identified in dairy cattle and other mammals across the nation and worldwide.

Both domestic and wild cats are vulnerable to bird flu, although they seldom contract the virus. Dogs can also be affected, but to a lesser extent. Human transmission is rare, but the virus can enter through the eyes, nose, mouth, or through inhalation.

Cats with bird flu can show neurological symptoms such as lack of coordination or seizures, along with respiratory issues like sneezing or coughing, and a reduced appetite.

The most at-risk individuals are farmworkers or those who handle birds or other wildlife, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).