H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Los Angeles County Cat Linked to Raw Pet Food
Los Angeles County authorities have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) in a domestic cat that consumed commercially available raw pet food. This is the first confirmed feline case since a cluster of infections in December 2024–January 2025 linked to raw milk, raw meat, and raw pet diets.
The affected household included two strictly indoor cats. One cat became acutely ill approximately 1–2 weeks after starting the raw food diet and died within days following neurologic symptoms. The second cat also developed severe illness and died; post-mortem testing confirmed H5N1 infection (clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating the implicated raw food product.
H5N1 continues to circulate widely in birds and mammals across the U.S. and worldwide. Although the risk of transmission to humans remains low, cats can contract the virus through contaminated raw products and potentially transmit it to other cats via close contact or contaminated fomites. No human cases have been linked to this event in Los Angeles County.
Veterinarians are advised to:
Strongly caution pet owners against feeding raw milk, raw meat, raw poultry, or raw pet food.
Take detailed dietary and bird exposure histories in sick pets.
Isolate suspected cases, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and follow strict cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Report suspected H5 cases to Veterinary Public Health for free influenza testing when criteria are met.
This case underscores the ongoing risks of raw pet diets and the importance of vigilance in preventing H5N1 exposure in domestic animals. Pet owners and veterinary staff should remain alert to clinical signs including fever, lethargy, neurologic symptoms, loss of appetite, respiratory signs, and icterus.
Read report here: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/docs/AHAN/AHAN_H5BirdFluConfirmedDomesticCat_LAC_09252025.pdf
