An ongoing outbreak of bird flu, specifically H5N1, is affecting domestic cats in California. According to the USDA, nearly half of non-livestock mammals infected in the state have been domestic cats. Experts are concerned about the potential transmission of the virus from cats to humans. While there have been no reports of humans contracting bird flu from cats, the virus has mutated in the past, leading to a potential pandemic threat for humans in the future.
The majority of infected cats in this outbreak consumed raw milk or raw food products. Experts advise cat owners to keep their pets indoors, avoid feeding them raw foods, and monitor them for symptoms such as respiratory issues, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Testing is essential to confirm if a cat is infected with bird flu.
While there is no protocol for euthanizing infected cats, supportive care is often unable to help cats with rapidly progressing symptoms. The presence of free-roaming community cats poses a potential public health risk, as these cats have a higher chance of exposure to infected animals. Authorities are urging caution when encountering unfamiliar animals and recommend reporting any found cats to the appropriate authorities.
Overall, experts stress the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to reduce the spread of bird flu among cats and potentially to humans. Vaccines for bird flu are limited to poultry for now, highlighting the need for continued research and preparedness to address the evolving threat.
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