# A raw deal: the intersection of the immunocompromised cat, influenza, and a lapse of infection prevention and control measures

## TL;DR

A cat in a clinic became infected with avian flu due to lapses in infection control and raw food, highlighting risks to public health.

## Contribution

Highlights the risk of HPAI transmission to immunocompromised pets and the need for IPC protocols in veterinary settings.

## Key findings

- HPAI spillover occurred from birds to cats, foxes, and cattle.
- Raw pet food contamination and lapses in IPC led to nosocomial infection in an immunocompromised cat.
- Nosocomial outbreaks of Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have been reported in veterinary practices.

## Abstract

The case report by Chen et al. (ASM Case Rep 1:e00134-25, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1128/asmcr.00134-25) importantly describes nosocomial transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in an immunocompromised resident clinic cat. This case highlights several significant public health threats, starting with HPAI spillover from birds to cats, foxes, and cattle; probable HPAI infection due to contaminated commercially prepared raw pet foods; nosocomial infection of an immunocompromised animal; and lapses in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. This case underscores the need for formal IPC guidelines or a risk assessment-based protocol for resident clinic or personal pets in veterinary settings. As the availability of and interest in using commercial raw pet foods increase, there is a need for education surrounding infectious disease risk, safe handling, and handwashing procedures for use of these products, as well as the potential risk for fecal shedding of important enteric pathogens. Further emphasizing the importance of IPC, nosocomial outbreaks caused by Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have been identified in large animal and companion animal practices, with a recent case describing probable zoonotic and nosocomial spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms. To mitigate these risks, veterinary practices (clinics or hospitals) require resources and education for IPC to minimize and investigate nosocomial transmission of infectious diseases. Finally, the availability of high-quality point-of-care test options for veterinary infectious diseases would support human, animal, and population health by providing rapid and actionable results for disease response.