First Detection of AI Antigen in Cat Food: "Produced Without Sterilization or Pasteurization"

Order to suspend production and sales and recall and disposal measures for the feed
Isolation and treatment of household cats infected with AI...Euthanasia of cats in shelters
No cases of "cat-to-human transmission" reported so far

Avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected for the first time in cat food. The investigation revealed that the manufacturer produced the food without properly sterilizing or pasteurizing the raw materials. The government is considering isolating and treating cats that contracted AI after being fed the contaminated food.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 2nd that AI (H5 type) antigen was detected in a sample of pet food (manufactured on July 5) collected from a facility in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, where highly pathogenic avian influenza in cats occurred.

The pet food manufacturer in question is 'Nature's Raw,' located in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do. It was found that this company had been producing pet food without undergoing sterilization or pasteurization processes since May 25. Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province immediately ordered the suspension of manufacturing, sales, and supply, as well as the recall and disposal of products from this manufacturer.

The products subject to recall and disposal are two items from the brand 'Tosiltosil Restaurant'?'Balanced Duck' and 'Balanced Chicken'?manufactured between May 25 and August 1. A total of over 3,200 units were sold online to 212 customers nationwide.

Kwon Jae-han, Director of Agricultural Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "If cats eat food that has undergone proper sterilization and pasteurization, there is no chance of contracting AI. We believe the problem arose because the products were produced without these processes."

So far, there have been no reported cases of cats contracting AI after consuming the contaminated food. Director Kwon explained, "Cats that consume food containing a high concentration of AI antigen can contract AI. Although a few countries have reported cases of cats dying from AI infection, the exact fatality rate has not been thoroughly investigated." He added, "There have been no cases of AI transmission from cats to humans to date, but to be safe, it is advisable to avoid close contact with infected cats."

The Ministry plans to have cats infected with AI receive treatment at isolation facilities designated by local governments. However, cats in shelters will be euthanized if infected with AI.

Director Kwon said, "When local governments recall the problematic food, they will check the condition of the cats. If cats currently being fed or previously fed the contaminated pet food show symptoms suspected of highly pathogenic avian influenza?such as fever, loss of appetite, or respiratory symptoms (difficulty breathing, dry cough, etc.)?please report immediately to the animal quarantine authorities."