Bird Flu Outbreak Affects Pets: Oregon Cats Euthanized

Two cats in Oregon were euthanized after testing positive for bird flu linked to pet food made from raw chicken. The virus, part of a larger outbreak affecting poultry and other animals, poses low risk to the public, but officials advise against feeding pets raw meat.

In a worrying development, two house cats in Oregon have been euthanized following positive tests for bird flu, suspected to be linked to the consumption of raw chicken pet food.

The virus, having already infected millions of poultry and thousands of dairy cattle since its outbreak in 2022, was confirmed in samples from the affected cats and food, as confirmed by the state's agriculture department.

Despite the low risk to the general public, authorities recommend that pet owners avoid feeding undercooked or raw meat to pets in the wake of this incident, emphasizing vigilance as poultry testing efforts increase across the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)