More than 80 cats, primarily barn cats and feral cats, have been infected with bird flu since 2022. Recently, there have been cases of house cats contracting the virus after consuming raw food or unpasteurized milk. While the risk of transmission from cats to humans remains low, experts advise pet owners to take precautions to protect both their animals and themselves.
More than 80 domestic cats, among a variety of other mammals, have been confirmed to have contracted bird flu since 2022. These cases primarily involve barn cats residing on dairy farms, feral cats, and pets that spend time outdoors. It's believed they contracted the virus through hunting diseased rodents or wild birds. Recently, a smaller but growing number of house cats have fallen ill with H5N1 , the strain responsible for the current U.S.
outbreak, after consuming raw food or unpasteurized milk. Some of these cats have succumbed to the infection. While the strain of bird flu currently circulating has not adapted to efficiently spread among humans, and there have been no documented instances of cat-to-human transmission during this outbreak, the risk of cats, which are arguably semi-domesticated, bringing home a disease from their nocturnal adventures has always existed.Angela Rasmussen, a virologist specializing in disease progression in emerging viruses at the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, emphasizes the public health risk posed by companion animals, particularly cats, due to their close proximity to humans. Cats often snuggle, sleep in beds with their owners, and may drink from water glasses or walk on kitchen counters when unsupervised. Rasmussen advises cat owners to be aware of the ongoing spread of bird flu, stating that reducing the risk to their cats simultaneously reduces the risk to themselves.Although Rasmussen doesn't believe pet owners should fear their cats transmitting bird flu, she stresses the importance of taking precautions for both pet and public health. Symptoms of bird flu in cats include a runny nose, discharge around the eyes, dizziness, and seizures, which can also be indicative of rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal and poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating the euthanasia of any animal suspected of carrying the viral disease. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, encourages pet owners to ensure their animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Jane Sykes, a veterinarian specializing in infectious diseases in cats and dogs at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, advises against assuming bird flu if a cat is sick, even if it spends time outdoors or consumes a raw diet. Upper-respiratory illnesses are common in cats, while H5N1 remains relatively rare. Sykes, who feeds her indoor cat, Freckles, exclusively kibble, expresses no concerns about Freckles contracting H5N1 because the heating process used in manufacturing dry or canned pet food effectively kills viruses
Bird Flu H5N1 Cats Public Health Zoonosis Pet Health Raw Food Vaccination
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bird Flu Suspected in Wild and Domestic Bird Deaths Across MassachusettsState officials are investigating cases of bird flu in both wild and domestic birds across Massachusetts, urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and report any suspected cases. The outbreak has led to the deaths of birds in several communities, including a swan and Canada goose found dead in Hudson.
Read more »
Bird Flu Detected in Northern Ireland, Captive Bird Control Zone EstablishedAvian influenza has been detected in a nature reserve in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, leading to the implementation of a 3km captive bird temporary control zone (CBTCZ). Authorities are investigating the source of the infection and implementing restrictions to prevent its further spread. Bird keepers are urged to enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
Read more »
Dead Swan and Goose Found in Massachusetts Pond Amid Bird Flu ConcernsA swan and a Canadian goose were found dead at Bruces Pond in Hudson, Massachusetts, prompting a response from local authorities due to rising bird flu cases in the state. The birds were recovered as a precautionary measure to protect public health and prevent the spread of the virus to other wildlife or domestic animals. Residents are advised not to touch dead birds and to report any sightings to the state.
Read more »
Swan and Canadian goose found dead at Hudson pond amid bird flu concernsA swan and Canadian goose were found dead at a pond in Hudson, Massachusetts, amid bird flu concerns across the state. The Hudson Fire Department, Animal…
Read more »
California Cat Deaths Linked to Raw Milk and Bird FluThree cats in San Bernardino, California, died after consuming raw milk contaminated with the H5N1 bird flu virus. The owner, Joseph Journell, is seeking compensation from the raw milk supplier while the supplier disputes the link between the milk and the cats' deaths.
Read more »
White House’s Pandemic Office, Busy With Bird Flu, Has Uncertain Future Under TrumpTrump told TIME in 2024 he would disband the pandemic office. It's losing most of its staff during the transition, Biden officials say.
Read more »