Bird flu spreads to dogs and cats as infections hit mammals in 31 states: Here’s what you should know
A highly infectious type of bird flu, commonly known as bird flu, has demonstrated worrying zoonotic transmission in recent weeks. The outbreak, which has reportedly claimed some human lives and spread to four humans so far, is rapidly expanding in the US. Previously limited to wild birds and poultry, the virus has been detected in cats in 31 states, with isolated cases identified in dogs. This raises concerns for both animal health and potential human exposure, particularly among pet owners. Here’s everything you need to know.
Bird flu spreads across 31 US states
According to USA Today, the infection has spread from cows to rats, foxes, mountain lions and even alpacas in 12 states so far. Despite initial assurances from experts that the virus would not affect dairy products, it has spread rapidly among dairy cows across the country, affecting more than 90 herds in recent months. The H5N1 virus has also caused collateral damage in a variety of other species, including poultry, dairy and three farm workers who were exposed to the disease. However, real concern appears to be increasing as sporadic cases of the infection have been found in dogs and cats.
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Bird flu detected in dogs and cats in the US
The news outlet claims that nearly 21 domestic cats in 9 US states have contracted the disease since March 1. According to the report, as infections spread on dairy farms, some sick and dead cats showed symptoms of the disease, which went unnoticed. Researchers have long known that felines are at risk of contracting bird flu. “Domestic cats are actually highly susceptible to bird flu, especially H5N1,” said Kristen Coleman, a researcher at the University of Maryland, according to the NY Times.
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Feral, barn and pet cats are among those that have tested positive for bird flu. There are also some reports of dogs, although the number is smaller, the concern increases. H5N1, a new version of bird flu that emerged in 2020, spread quickly around the world. Scientists believe that although cases in dogs and cats remain rare, they “result in very serious illness and often death,” which is why they should be taken seriously.
Bird flu could spread from pet cats to humans
There is a small risk that humans will become sick if their pets are infected, although the likelihood is very low, according to the CDC. Professionals believe the H5N1 virus can be transmitted through a cat’s saliva, poop or other bodily fluids. Many cats with the virus show signs of fever, reduced hunger and lung problems such as runny nose, difficulty breathing and pneumonia. They may also present with neurological signs such as stiffness, tremors, and frequent seizures.
“We don’t fully understand whether or not they are capable of transmitting,” said Dr. Johnson, addressing whether cats can transmit the disease to humans. “There is currently no evidence that cats have contributed to the spread of the virus on dairy farms,” she added.
