The Trump administration is suing California over its animal welfare laws, claiming they unconstitutionally raised egg prices. The lawsuit challenges voter-approved measures requiring all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free hens. Federal officials argue the regulations burden egg producers nationwide because of California's economic influence. California officials and animal welfare advocates blame bird flu, not the laws, for past price spikes. Egg prices have recently dropped, but they remain higher than last year. The lawsuit seeks to block California's rules, asserting federal authority over egg production. Industry groups say they will monitor the case while complying with the laws.

The death of an Oregon house cat from bird flu and a pet food recall are raising questions about how people can protect their pets. Oregon health officials have traced the cat's illness to frozen cat food that contained raw turkey. Some pet owners feed their animals raw meat, but that can be dangerous, even fatal for the animals. Cooking destroys the bird flu virus and other disease-causing germs. Cats seem more susceptible than dogs to the bird flu virus. But the best advice for pet owners is to avoid feeding animals raw protein.