Bird Flu Alert: FDA issues new warnings about raw pet food security (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Report of dying even after cats are severely ill or even after consuming contaminated milk with raw pet food or milk bird flu The virus (H5N1) has expressed concern. In response, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning, urging pet food manufacturers and owners to take additional precautions.
FDA safety recommendations
FDA is advising pet food companies only for sources from healthy animals and using heat treatment to eliminate potential viruses. In addition, pet owners are encouraged to cook raw pet food before feeding their animals to reduce the risk of infection.
The agency warning comes after several recent cases, where cats contracted the H5N1 through their diet, mainly from unexpected milk or unnecessary meat. The FDA said, “H5N1 can be fatal for both cats and dogs, so we urge pets owners to carefully assess the risks before feeding their pets without feeding food.”
Bird flu and its spread
Since 2022, bird flu has been detected in birds in all American states, and cats seem to be particularly weak. Both domestic and stray cats have been found infected, some have become ill after eating contaminated food.
Dr. Dr., a professor at Small Animal International Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Jane Syx reported that the FDA advisor lacks specific details on how to test for the virus or whether heat treatment is required. “It does not provide strict instructions to ensure that the pet food is free from H5N1,” Cyx explained NBC News.
Experts recommend domesticated food cooking
Veterinary experts and FDA agree that pet food is the most effective way to prevent infection. The FDA said, “Heat treatment has been proved to neutralize H5N1 in meat, milk and egg products.” The agency recommends pets owners to handle the US Agriculture Department (USDA) guidelines to handle raw meat before feeding their pets before feeding their pets. Additionally, they recommend pets to hunt and prevent wild birds from eating, as it can expose them to the virus.
Pet food companies response
The guidance of the FDA is not mandatory, which means that pet food companies can choose whether to implement these safety measures. Director of Center for Public Health and Zunoses at Gulef University in Canada. J. Scott Wesse believes that this is just a first step. “If more cases come up, you can follow strong rules,” he said.
Some domesticated food manufacturers have already taken action. Instinct, a raw pet food company located in St. Louis, uses high pressure processing (HPP) or passworks to kill pathogens in its products. “Like the FDA, we recognize the risks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and take safety measures for safety measures,” said Brock Zentz, senior director of the company’s food security and quality.
However, experts warn that while HPP reduces the risk, it cannot completely eliminate the virus. “It is better than nothing, but if you want complete security, cooking is the safest option,” Dr. Wesse insisted.
With concerns of increasing the impact of H5N1 on pets, the FDA urges owners to prefer security to avoid raw pet food or to ensure that it is well cooked before feeding.
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