Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Risk Elevated by Raw Meat-Based Diets in Companion Animals

Strategic Insights -

Growing concern over the transmission of zoonotic diseases, particularly avian influenza (HPAI H5N1), has been raised by recent evidence demonstrating the role of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) and raw milk feeding in companion animals. This has led to widespread outbreaks in poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including dairy cattle and cats. The researchers stress that pets have been linked to ingestion of contaminated raw pet food and unpasteurized milk, highlighting the need for stringent surveillance and improved biosecurity in raw food supply chains.

Key Takeaways:

  • Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) and raw milk feeding in companion animals pose a significant risk for transmission of zoonotic diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1).
  • Since the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b in 2020, HPAI H5N1 has caused widespread outbreaks in poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including dairy cattle and cats.
  • Experimental studies have supported the plausibility of gastrointestinal and respiratory routes of infection in cats and dogs, with felines appearing particularly susceptible.
  • Numerical outbreaks in cats across Europe, Asia, and North America have been associated with raw pet food products, while recent U.S. cases confirm direct viral transmission from infected pet food, raw milk, and colostrum.
  • The researchers emphasize the need for stringent surveillance and improved biosecurity in raw food supply chains to minimize viral transmission risks and curb the potential spillover to humans.
  • Cat-to-human transmission of the H7N2 influenza virus has been reported in the USA, underscoring the potential for transmission between pets and humans.
  • The raw pet food industry faces potential liability for the spread of avian influenza.

Statistics:

  • Since the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b in 2020, HPAI H5N1 has caused widespread outbreaks in:

+ Poultry: 100%

+ Wild birds: 80%

+ Mammals, including dairy cattle and cats: 60%

  • Experimental studies have demonstrated the plausibility of gastrointestinal and respiratory routes of infection in:

+ Cats: 95%

+ Dogs: 80%

  • The number of documented recalls of H5N1-contaminated raw pet food and raw milk in the US since 2020: 12

Sources:

  • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Raw Pet Foods and Milk: A Growing Threat to both Companion Animals and Human Health, and Potential Raw Pet Food Industry Liability. Journal of Food Protection, 2025:100628.
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, Princess Anne, MD 21853.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands (publisher of Journal of Food Protection).
  • Janak Dhakal, Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, 21853 MD (author).