While the ongoing H5N1 outbreak has affected the United States, it is good to know what the avian flu is and how the virus can hit cats.
Cats are catching the bird flu. Here’s what to know. Photo: APA growing number of cats – household and free-roaming “community cats” – in California, United States, have been contracting bird flu, the H5N1 influenza A virus also called avian flu.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 19 domestic cats have been infected in California. The majority of those cats have died or been euthanised. The country’s outbreak started with chickens and cows. Here is what to know.
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Can cats spread bird flu to people?
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has said there have been no reports of humans contracting bird flu from cats. But animal-to-human transmission of the virus has taken place. California leads the country in human H5N1 infections, mostly from infected dairy cows. Dr Jane E. Sykes, a specialist in infectious diseases in dogs and cats at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, said, “If the virus was to change in the future, as it’s shown it can do, then it could have more serious implications for humans in terms of pandemic development.”
How are cats getting H5N1?
Most domesticated cats infected during this outbreak consumed raw milk or commercially marketed raw food products. Free-roaming cats have a greater chance of exposure to other infected cats, wild birds or black rats, which joined the list of H5N1-affected animals in California at the beginning of this year. According to Sykes, clinical signs usually appear in infected cats after a few days to a week.
What about dogs?
For now, very few domestic dogs have been reported to be infected with bird flu. Sykes said that this is probably because they are less susceptible to H5N1. This does not mean that they are immune.
Should cat owners worry yet?
According to the CDPH, “Human interaction with domestic cats is more intimate and ongoing than with livestock and poultry species.” This closeness increases the potential for cat-to-human and eventually human-to-human contagion, and scientists say that testing capabilities and mRNA human vaccine research are not prepared for this. There is no evidence that healthy cats can be infected with H5N1 and spread the virus without showing symptoms, according to CDPH.
How can someone prevent their pet from getting bird flu?
Scientists, veterinarians, public health officials and animal-lovers are all urging cat owners to keep their pet cats indoors at all times if possible. “It’s just much safer and healthier for them overall,” said Dr Katherine Mills, medical director of the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). Mills also recommended not feeding cats raw milk or raw food, even if the products are commercially packaged, frozen or freeze-dried.
How do I know if my cat has avian influenza?
They may present upper respiratory symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, congestion and difficulty breathing. There might be runny discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth, plus inactivity and loss of appetite. Mills said to look out for neurological signs, such as “just mentally not seeming alert, maybe stumbling when they’re walking.” Ultimately, only testing can confirm what is ailing an animal, so it is important to bring sick cats to the vet. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and a mask when moving your pet from its carrier to the vet.
If I find a cat that appears healthy, can I take it home?
CDPH says to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals regardless of their apparent condition. Encounters should be reported to the nearest animal control department, shelter or humane society. Mills said found cats can also have ringworm, fleas and a host of contagions other than bird flu.