At least 2 domestic cats confirmed to be infected with bird flu in Washington state
At least two domestic, indoor cats in western Washington recently became infected with bird flu after eating contaminated pet food.
The two cats, which resided in King and Snohomish counties, tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza this week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture shared in a Wednesday news release.
One of the cats was euthanized due to severe illness; the second cat is being treated by a veterinarian, and more cats are being tested.
In all cases, pet owners reportedly fed their cats potentially contaminated Wild Coast Raw pet food, a batch of which WSDA previously identified as a source of bird flu infection in Oregon cats.
“This is a difficult situation, we love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill,” WSDA field veterinarian Dr. Zac Turner said in the news release. “If your cat is showing symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.”
The sickened cats in Oregon also were euthanized, The Olympian previously reported.
The latest death comes amid a wave of bird flu infections that are affecting the nation’s food supply and causing the deaths of cats in multiple states, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory reported presumptive positive results for HPAI in both Washington cats on Monday. The next day, the National Veterinarian Services Laboratory shared confirmatory results with the WSDA.
The WSDA says felines infected by HPAI commonly show the following signs: low appetite, fever, hypothermia, progression of illness to pneumonia, progression of illness to neurologic abnormalities and upper respiratory infection.
Pet owners are advised to contact their veterinarian immediately if their pets have consumed Wild Coast Raw pet food and show any of those signs.
The WSDA recommends pet owners inform veterinarian clinics about the possible infection before arriving. That way, the staff can prepare to handle the cat and reduce the chance of transmission to staff, other clients and other animals.
There has been no documented case of HPAI in humans who have been exposed to an infected cat or contaminated raw pet food, according to WSDA.
“The currently circulating strain of HPAI is considered low risk to the public, but there is greater risk for those who handle contaminated raw pet food products or who care for infected animals,” the release reads.
People can become infected if the virus enters their eyes, nose or mouth. The WSDA advises the public to thoroughly wash their hands after handling contaminated pet food, touching contaminated surfaces or caring for infected animals.
WSDA also suggests infected animals be isolated to prevent the possible spread to other animals and people in the home.
All people who are exposed to infected animals can expect to be monitored by public health officials for 10 days after their last exposure.
For now, WSDA does not recommend feeding raw pet food or raw milk to animals. WSDA says it will continue to investigate and monitor the situation.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "At least 2 domestic cats confirmed to be infected with bird flu in Washington state."
