New FDA Recommendations Address Raw Pet Food Safety Amid Bird Flu Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidelines regarding the safety of raw pet food in light of recent cases of bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, affecting cats and dogs. These recommendations come after reports indicated that felines have suffered severe health issues or have died after consuming contaminated raw food products.

The FDA is advising pet food manufacturers to ensure that all ingredients are sourced from healthy animals and to implement processes such as heat treatment to eliminate any potential viruses. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to cook raw pet food thoroughly to mitigate the risk of H5N1 transmission, which poses significant health threats to both cats and dogs.

According to the FDA, there have been multiple investigations revealing that H5N1 can be transmitted to cats predominantly through uncooked meats or unpasteurized milk. The agency emphasizes the fatal risks this virus presents, urging consumers to exercise caution when feeding their pets raw foods.

The spread of bird flu has been widespread across all U.S. states since 2022, with cats being particularly susceptible to the virus. Cases have been documented in both domestic and feral cats, with illness often linked to the consumption of tainted raw milk or pet food.

Experts, including veterinarians, have pointed out that while the FDA's guidance is a step in the right direction, it lacks specific protocols for testing and detailed instructions on how to ensure that food is free from H5N1. Some professionals argue that the absence of strict measures could leave pets vulnerable to this emerging health threat.

Veterinary specialists recommend cooking pet food as an effective measure to ensure safety. The FDA has confirmed that heat treatments are capable of inactivating H5N1 in meat, milk, and egg products. They advise pet owners to adhere to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for handling and cooking raw meat prior to feeding it to pets. Furthermore, keeping pets from hunting or consuming wild birds is strongly recommended.

It is important to note that the FDA's guidance is not obligatory, allowing manufacturers the discretion to determine their own safety measures. Experts express concern that if more cases arise, the FDA may need to enforce stricter regulations.

Some raw pet food manufacturers have proactively begun to implement safety protocols. For instance, Instinct, a manufacturer based in St. Louis, has stated that it employs high-pressure processing (HPP) to eliminate pathogens in its products. The company acknowledges the risks associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and has established procedures to mitigate these dangers.

However, experts caution that while high-pressure processing is beneficial, it may not completely eradicate the virus. Cooking remains the only guaranteed method to ensure safety, according to veterinary professionals.

For further details on bird flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides comprehensive updates and information.