With recent news about H5N1 outbreaks across the globe and confirmed cases (and deaths) in pets, it's more important than ever to understand what’s going on, how the virus can spread, and what precautions you can take, especially if you're feeding a raw food diet to your dog or cat. With still no definitive answers on how pet food manufacturers are able to completely avoid H5N1 influenza from infecting pet foods, we went to world leading authority Dr. Scott Weese looking for answers.

Dr. Weese who’s part of the World Veterinary Association, has authored over 400 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and is a Professor in the Department of Pathobiology, Director of the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, and Chief of Infection Control in the Health Sciences Centre at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.

Today we're taking a closer look at H5N1 Influenza and its potential risks for our dogs and cats. Dr. Weese is at the forefront of understanding infectious diseases that affect both animals and humans and is joining us to cover:

The risks of feeding poultry-based raw diets, raw milk, and other proteins to avoid.
Why High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) isn't always effective and the questions you should be asking.
The safety of freeze-dried foods, canned, and dry foods.
The importance of sourcing meat from reputable companies and having a solid food safety plan.

This episode is a replay of the weekly Facebook Live on the Inside Scoop. Original LIVE aired February 28, 2025. To watch video podcasts LIVE plus take part with your comments & questions, subscribe at Inside Scoop.

MENTIONED:

Dr. Scott Weese's Blog - Worms & Germs
Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

DISCLAIMERS & DISCLOSURES

Any third-party products, brands featured or referred to on the Mind-Jam or Inside Scoop Podcasts are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Dr. Karen Becker, Rodney Habib, Planet Paws Media, or any of their affiliates.
The Mind-Jam and Inside Scoop Podcasts are for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of veterinary advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they or their pet may have and should seek the assistance of their doctor or pet's health care professionals for any such conditions.