Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
H9N2 avian flu virus found in raw dog and cat food in South Korea
By Kim, Chang-Tae et al.·Published in Veterinary microbiology·2025·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Detection of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in commercial raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats in South Korea.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A study found that some raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for dogs and cats in South Korea were contaminated with a strain of avian influenza virus (H9N2). Researchers tested 62 different RMBDs and discovered two samples contained live virus. This raises concerns about the safety of feeding these diets to pets, as the virus could potentially pose health risks. Pet owners should be cautious and consider discussing the safety of raw diets with their veterinarian, especially in light of these findings.
People also search for: dog raw diet safety · cat avian influenza risk · H9N2 in pet food · raw meat diet for dogs and cats
Abstract
Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) present inherent potential risks associated with microbial pathogen transmission that is attributed to the absence of heat treatment. Recent incidents involving highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cats, potentially linked to RMBD consumption, underscore the urgency for assessing the risks associated with RMBDs in South Korea. In this study, 62 RMBDs produced in South Korea for consumption by dogs or cats were tested to evaluate the potential risk of avian influenza virus (AIV) contamination. Two live AIVs were isolated from two RMBDs through egg-inoculation. Entire genome sequences of the two AIVs were generated using next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming their classification as low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2. Eight genes of the two isolated samples formed a monophyletic cluster with Y280-lineage H9N2 viruses that were identified in South Korea in 2020. These findings substantiate potential AIV risks associated with RMBDs, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing surveillance and viral transmission management. The implications of this study highlight the need for careful management and monitoring of RMBDs to mitigate potential zoonotic risks. Additionally, thorough control and supervision of poultry-related foods for humans are essential.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41075381/