House Cats and Bird Flu: A Growing Public Health Concern
In 2022, over 80 domestic cats, along with various other mammals, have tested positive for bird flu. Most of these cases involved barn cats residing on dairy farms, feral cats, and outdoor pets that likely contracted the virus while hunting diseased rodents or wild birds. The recent emergence of H5N1, the strain behind the current bird flu outbreak in the U.S., has led to a small but increasing number of house cats falling ill after consuming raw food or unpasteurized milk, resulting in some fatalities.
Virologist Angela Rasmussen from the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization emphasizes that companion animals, particularly cats, pose a significant public health risk due to the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. The close interactions we share with our feline friends, from snuggling in bed to allowing them to roam freely in our homes, create opportunities for the spread of bird flu. Rasmussen stresses that reducing the risk to cats can ultimately reduce the risk to humans.
Signs of Infection and Prevention
Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, highlights common signs of bird flu in cats, such as runny nose and eye discharge, along with more severe symptoms like neurological issues resembling rabies. To safeguard both pets and humans, Bailey recommends ensuring that animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Veterinarian Jane Sykes, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, cautions against assuming bird flu in cats, especially if they exhibit outdoor behavior or consume raw diets. While upper-respiratory illnesses are prevalent in cats, H5N1 remains relatively rare. Sykes’ own indoor cat, Freckles, exclusively eats kibble, minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus through raw food.
Sykes advises pet owners to avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized milk to their animals and prevent interactions with potentially infected wildlife, such as rodents and wild birds. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages raw diets for pets due to the risk of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and listeria, as well as the highly pathogenic nature of H5N1.
Emerging Risks and Regulatory Measures
The FDA’s recent announcement mandating updates to safety plans for cat and dog food companies reflects growing concerns about bird flu transmission. Oregon’s Department of Agriculture identified a case where an indoor cat contracted H5N1 after consuming a frozen product from Northwest Naturals, a raw pet food brand. Subsequent recalls and investigations underscore the potential risks associated with unpasteurized or raw pet food.
Public health agencies, including those in Los Angeles County and Washington state, have issued warnings against raw diets for pets to mitigate the spread of bird flu. While the likelihood of H5N1 transmission from cats to humans is considered low, the recent spate of cases signals a need for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of bird flu poses a significant public health challenge, with cats emerging as potential carriers of the virus. The intricate dynamics of zoonotic transmission underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership, informed decision-making regarding pet diets, and proactive measures to protect both animals and humans from potential risks. As we navigate these uncertainties, maintaining awareness, adherence to guidelines, and ongoing research are essential to address the evolving threat of bird flu effectively.
