As demand for raw pet food continues to rise, without rigorous food safety precautions, these diets can pose a significant threat to pets due to their ability to spread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), as shown in a new report published in the Journal of Food Protection. The report provided an overview of current scientific knowledge relating to HPAI in raw pet food, including the virus’ history of outbreaks, relationship with pets and effects on both pets and humans.
The research compiles data and insights from outbreaks and their corresponding investigations, surveillance reports, studies and more to provide an overview of all current scientific knowledge surrounding the disease in the context of companion animals.
“By raising awareness among pet food manufacturers, researchers, veterinarians and pet owners, this paper is expected to support safe raw pet food handling and informed decision-making,” the researchers wrote. “…this paper highlights the immediate need for stringent surveillance and improved biosecurity in raw food supply chains to minimize viral transmission risks thereby safeguarding pet health and curb the potential spillover to humans.”
HPAI can enter the raw pet food supply chain through multiple pathways, primarily through infected poultry, ducks or dairy cattle, which may harbor high viral loads in meat, offal and unpasteurized milk, according to the researchers. During the slaughter and processing of animals, inadequate biosecurity or the absence of viral inactivation steps allows contamination of raw pet food products. These contaminated foods are then distributed to retailers and then pet owners, where consumption by cats and dogs leads to infection.
While both dogs and cats are susceptible to the virus, cats in particular have the greatest risk, often exhibiting severe clinical disease and high mortality, according to the report.
Recent cases in the United States have confirmed infection of the virus in cats from raw food, with some cases leading to severe illness and even death, leading to recalls and heightened consumer concerns. Since December 2022, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed more than 130 cases of HPAI in cats across the United States, ranging from barn and feral cats to domestic, indoor cats and big cats in zoos.
“This emerging threat underscores an urgent need for enhanced surveillance, regulation and public awareness focused on the raw pet food sector and potential zoonotic transmission pathways,” the researchers wrote.
Read the full report here.
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