Bird Flu Outbreak In Cats: Understanding The Recent Cases And Risks

Cases of bird flu have been detected in nearly 40 pet cats across several states. This alarming trend highlights a growing concern for pet owners and public health officials alike. The avian influenza, known for its devastating impact on poultry, has now begun to spill over into domestic pets, raising questions about its implications for animal health and potential risks to humans.

Avian Influenza has ravaged poultry stock across the U.S. in recent years, spreading to cows and a small number of humans. According to Reuters, since 2022, bird flu in the U.S. has infected over 100 million chickens, 9,500 wild birds, 168 dairy herds, seven people who were exposed to poultry, and four people who worked with infected cattle. The spread of the H5N1 virus to domestic cats is a new dimension in this ongoing public health crisis.

The disease is now spreading much closer to home. According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 37 cases of the H5N1 strain of bird flu have been detected in domestic cats as of August 20. It is also spreading among other species, including red foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, skunks, and raccoons. This situation calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures, particularly for those living in affected areas.

The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association confirmed earlier this month that there have been six cases of felines infected with bird flu in the state. One of the cases was "directly associated with a known infected commercial dairy facility," while two of the animals were indoor-only cats with "no direct exposures to the virus." Three other cats, while homed, had access to the outside and hunted mice and/or small birds. This suggests that the virus may be transmitted through various pathways, making it crucial for pet owners to be vigilant.

In April 2024, two farm cats in Texas contracted H5N1 from drinking raw milk from an infected dairy cow. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring animal health closely, particularly in areas where outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred. Seven other states have reported cases: Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio, and South Dakota.

As companion animals, domestic cats provide a potential pathway for avian influenza viruses to spill over into humans. Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor in the UMD School of Public Health, wrote in a report in June that studies have shown a significant rise in feline infections starting in 2023, coinciding with the rapid spread of the current strain of H5N1 among mammals. This is a critical finding that highlights the need for further research and public health initiatives to manage the situation.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in Cats

Symptoms of bird flu in cats can vary significantly in severity and often appear just a few days after the animal is infected, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Signs include listlessness, loss of appetite, severe depression, fever, difficulty breathing, neurological disease, jaundice, and in some cases, death. Recognizing these symptoms early can be vital for timely intervention and treatment.

According to the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, five of the six cases identified in the state presented similar symptoms: an initial complaint of lethargy and inappetence, followed by progressive respiratory signs in some and consistent progressive neurologic signs in most. If you observe any of these symptoms in your cat, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.

Can Cats Give Humans Bird Flu?

It's very, very unlikely that cats can transmit bird flu to humans, with the risk being deemed "currently very low or negligible," according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. However, while it’s unlikely that people would catch avian influenza through contact with an infected cat, it is possible—especially if there is prolonged and unprotected exposure to an infected animal.

Therefore, precautions should be taken when handling a sick animal, whether it is a beloved pet or a wild animal. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after contact with animals and avoiding close interaction with sick pets, can mitigate potential risks.