Two home cats in Washington state have been contaminated with chook flu after consuming uncooked pet meals.
The state Division of Agriculture confirmed the virus in each animals primarily based on take a look at outcomes acquired on Tuesday. Each of the cats had eaten Wild Coast Uncooked pet meals, which was recalled earlier this month as a result of potential contamination of the extremely pathogenic avian influenza.
One of many cats was euthanized as a result of severity of sickness whereas the second is being handled by a veterinarian, in line with the division. The pet cats belonged to folks in King and Snohomish counties.
Wild Coast Uncooked pet meals, produced in Olympia, can be linked to deaths of no less than 5 cats in Oregon. For extra data on recollects, pet homeowners can go to the Washington State Division of Agriculture’s web site.
The latest chook flu outbreak has unfold by poultry and dairy cows and sickened some agricultural staff, although the pressure continues to be thought of low threat to most people.
Cats are particularly inclined to the virus, which frequently spreads by migrating birds. Widespread signs embody low power and urge for food, fever, hypothermia, pneumonia, and higher respiratory an infection. The division encourages folks with pets that ate the recalled cat meals to deliver the animals to a veterinarian instantly.
There isn’t a documented case of a human changing into sick after publicity to an contaminated cat or contaminated meals, however those that are round contaminated animals or who deal with uncooked meals are at a better threat.
The division encourages caretakers to put on a masks and wash their palms when round a sick animal. Animals may be remoted to forestall potential unfold.
“This is a difficult situation, we love our pets, and it’s devastating when they fall ill,” state area veterinarian Dr. Zac Turner mentioned in a press release.
The division is continuous to research the state of affairs and urges folks towards feeding uncooked pet meals or milk to their animals.
Division spokesperson Amber Betts mentioned Wednesday that the state investigated no less than three different suspected instances of chook flu in Washington cats that turned out to be adverse. However she additionally mentioned the variety of suspected instances has been altering rapidly and that veterinarians proceed to search for potential publicity and take a look at animals.