🐾2 Could Your Pet’s Meal Be a Source of Infection?

— New Findings on Raw Pet Food and Bird Flu “H5N1”—

1. The Hidden Risk Behind “Natural” Pet Diets

More pet parents are turning to raw or minimally processed foods, believing that “natural means safe.”
But new research shows that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus has been detected in some raw pet foods and unpasteurized milk.
This means that “natural” doesn’t always equal “harmless.”
The study highlights that not only pets, but also people handling these foods, may be at risk of infection.

2. A Reliable Food-Safety Investigation from the United States

This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in collaboration with several partner institutions.
Their paper was published in the Journal of Food Protection (September 2025 issue), a well-respected peer-reviewed journal in the field of food safety.

Title:
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Raw Pet Foods and Milk: A Growing Threat to Both Companion Animals and Human Health

3. Linking Infected Pets with Contaminated Food

The research team focused on recent H5N1 infections in cats and dogs.
Many affected pets had eaten raw poultry or unpasteurized milk.
To investigate this link, the scientists:
• Tested commercial raw pet foods and raw milk for viral RNA,
• Detected H5N1 genetic material in several samples, and
• Found that the viral sequences were genetically identical to those isolated from infected cats.

This provided strong evidence that raw foods or milk products may have served as the infection source.

4. H5N1 Can Survive Freezing — and Stay Infectious

The researchers confirmed that H5N1 remains viable under refrigeration or freezing conditions.
If meat or milk from infected birds enters the supply chain, the virus can persist throughout processing and storage.
Indeed, fatal cat infections linked to raw poultry diets have already been reported in North America and Europe.
The study concludes that pet-food manufacturing should adopt the same level of biosecurity as the poultry industry to prevent zoonotic spread.

5. Keeping the “Natural” Spirit While Staying Safe

Choosing wholesome, natural foods for your pet is a wonderful goal — but remember that raw doesn’t always mean risk-free.
During avian-flu outbreaks, it’s wise to:
• Avoid feeding raw poultry or unpasteurized milk,
• Use pasteurized dairy products only, and
• Keep feeding bowls and kitchen surfaces clean and disinfected.
Small hygiene steps like these can greatly reduce the risk of transmission to both pets and humans.

6. Finding the Balance Between “Nature” and “Science”

If you still wish to offer natural, high-quality nutrition, consider options such as:
• Lightly cooked or HPP-treated (high-pressure processed) pet foods,
• Veterinarian-formulated freeze-dried complete meals, or
• Brands that clearly disclose ingredient origins and manufacturing details.
These products preserve flavor and nutrients while minimizing bacterial or viral risks.

7. Protecting Every Family Member Through “One Health”
This research is a reminder of the One Health principle — that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected.
Choosing safe food for your pet is also an act of protecting your household and community.
A little more awareness today can make a big difference in safeguarding the health of your beloved companion tomorrow. 🐾

Mindful

ブロガー/獣医師・博士(獣医学)/DVM Ph.D.

心でつながるペットケア、やさしい科学をモットーに、最新の研究情報について発信している。