Connect with us

Oregon

Oregon Department of Agriculture and WSDA warn pet owners after avian influenza found in raw pet food

Published

on

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are warning pet owners about the risks of raw pet food after tests confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in two cats from separate households in Multnomah County, Oregon. Both cats had consumed the same brand of raw pet food before becoming ill. Due to the severity of their symptoms, the owners, in consultation with veterinarians, chose to euthanize the animals.

Veterinarians followed the proper reporting protocol, notifying ODA of the cases. Agency staff collected samples from the affected cats and tested both opened and unopened containers of the raw pet food. Additional testing was conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of HPAI in both the cats and the food samples.

Following these findings and further testing by WSDA, a public health alert has been issued regarding certain lots of raw pet food produced by Wild Coast Raw in Olympia, Washington. Consumers are urged to check the lot numbers on Wild Coast Raw products at home. If they match the affected lots, pet owners should stop feeding the product to their animals immediately. More information on the health alert is available through WSDA.

Cats, including domestic and wild species such as tigers, mountain lions, and lynx, are highly susceptible to H5N1 avian influenza. Dogs can also contract the virus, though they appear less affected. To protect pets from H5N1, experts recommend the following precautions:

– Avoid feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, including freeze-dried meat-based diets and treats.
– Do not give pets raw (unpasteurized) milk or colostrum.
– Prevent pets from eating birds or other wild animals.
– Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or interacting with animals.
– Change clothing and shoes after contact with animals or birds with unknown health status before handling pets.
– Contact a veterinarian if a pet shows signs of illness, especially if it has been exposed to raw meat, raw milk, or wild waterfowl.

Pet owners concerned about their animals’ health or exposure to contaminated products should reach out to their veterinarians for guidance.

You may also like…

Eugene44 minutes ago

Eugene Springfield Fire quickly contains house fire on Shady Loop in Springfield

Eugene, OR – Early Sunday morning, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a house fire on Shady Loop in Springfield. The...

Eugene51 minutes ago

Eugene Springfield Fire rescues woman from vehicle in Willamette River

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded Sunday afternoon to a vehicle that had entered the Willamette River near...

Eugene58 minutes ago

Eugene Police respond to armed dispute involving juveniles on River Road

Eugene, OR – On May 29 at 11:39 a.m., Eugene Police responded to a dispute involving a group of juveniles...

Eugene1 hour ago

City of Eugene wraps up Building Safety Month highlighting 7,500 permits issued in 2024

Eugene, OR – As Building Safety Month concludes, the City of Eugene’s Building Permit Services team reflected on a busy...

Crime & Safety2 days ago

2-year-old child was Ieft with her deceased mother for days after the woman was kiIIed by her partner, who claimed that an aItercation over infideIity led to a struggIe over a firearm, which resulted in the fataI shooting: DA

Kentucky – A Kentucky man, 30-year-old J. Tompson, was convicted last week of murder and possession of a handgun by a...

Eugene3 days ago

First responders appreciation BBQ brings community and local agencies together in Springfield

Eugene, OR — First responders and their families gathered Thursday at 3188 Gateway Loop in Springfield for the First Responders...

Eugene3 days ago

Eugene officers visit pre-K class to build early community connections

Eugene, OR — A group of Eugene police officers and Community Service Officers spent time last week visiting a local...

Eugene3 days ago

Eugene Police honor civilian and deputy chief for lifesaving actions

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department recently recognized two individuals for their heroic actions during a critical incident earlier...

Eugene3 days ago

Drivers clocked going nearly 90 MPH on Beltline as summer traffic enforcement ramps up in Eugene

Eugene, OR – As summer approaches and students prepare for the end of the school year, traffic enforcement officers are...

Eugene3 days ago

Police respond to report of armed juvenile and shots fired near Eugene high school

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police are continuing to investigate an armed dispute involving a group of juveniles after responding to...

Eugene5 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire warns of brush fire risk after debris burn spreads near Pine Grove Road

Eugene, OR – Despite a long and cool spring, fire danger remains high in Lane County. On May 23, just...

Trending