 Winter 2025
Hello and happy February from all of us at the King County Pet Business Program! Read on for more information about:
Attention pet businesses: The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have issued alerts regarding a raw pet food product linked to Bird Flu (also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or HPAI) in two cats in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Affected Product:
-
Wild Coast Raw Boneless Free Range Chicken Cat Food
-
Lot Numbers: 22660 & 22664
Important Links for More Info:
|
Bird flu is affecting wildlife and domestic animals in Washington. While the primary concern is birds, there have been cases in mammals—including cats and other pets.
How Can Pets Get Bird Flu?
🪿Eating raw or undercooked po
🪿Contact with infected wild birds or their droppings
🪿Exposure to contaminated environments and animals
Protecting Pets from Bird Flu
✅Avoid feeding pets raw poultry or unprocessed animal products
✅Keep pets away from wild birds and their habitats
✅Clean and disinfect pet food bowls and living areas regularly
✅Watch for symptoms such as lethargy, respiratory distress, or neurological issues and contact a veterinarian if concerned
-
General info on bird flu and pets:
-
Resources for cat owners: Bird Flu in Cats (WSDA)
|
The Board of Health (BOH) code update process is planned for 2026. These will be the first updates to King County Board of Health Title 8: Pet Business Regulations since they were adopted in 2010. We are hoping to streamline the code and bring some much-needed updates.
Stay tuned for updates on this process in future newsletters!
|
Good news! A software update planned for late 2025 and early 2026 will streamline permit renewals and applications for pet businesses.
What This Means for You:
✅ Online permit renewals launching in 2026 – ent submission and no more paper
✅ Faster processing times for applications and renewals
✅ Easier tracking of your application status
Next Steps:
Training and guidance ahead of the launch will be available for permit holders to promote a smooth transition. Watch for updates in future newsletters!
|
Reach out anytime for more information about regulations, recalls, or upcoming changes. Stay safe, stay informed, and thank you for keeping our pet community healthy!
The Pet Business Program publishes newsletters semi-annually. Visit our pet business webpage for previous newsletters.
Were you forwarded our newsletter? You can subscribe at: Pet Business Program Newsletter Signup.
|
