NYC Cats Test Positive for Bird Flu: A Warning for Pet Owners

Two cats in separate NYC households have tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu), prompting a warning from city health officials. This isn't the first case in the US; the health department reminds pet owners not to feed their cats raw food or raw milk, and to prevent them from roaming outdoors where they might contact wild birds or other animals.

A Devastating Case

A veterinarian, Dr. Deborah Bayazit, reported a kitten that tragically passed away due to bird flu complications. The kitten had vague symptoms including lethargy and a high fever, and had been fed a raw chicken diet. Dr. Bayazit stresses the importance of avoiding raw chicken diets for cats due to the risk of bird flu.

Raw Food Company Investigates

The raw chicken was from Savage Cat Food, a company that has issued a voluntary recall following a similar incident in Colorado. While their initial tests were inconclusive, they are now working with the FDA to investigate the NYC case. They maintain their poultry is USDA inspected for human consumption.

The city health department assures New Yorkers that the current risk remains low, but the incidents serve as a stark reminder of potential dangers associated with raw pet food and contact with wildlife.