Warning: Cats at risk for bird flu, humans could be next
CLEVELAND (WJW) — As the bird flu, aka influenza A (H5N1), continues to ravage whole chicken and some cow populations across the country, the American Veterinarian Medical Association is now issuing a warning regarding your favorite feline pets.
How to help farmers during bird flu outbreak in Ohio
Cats are reportedly at risk of contracting the infection, although stray cats are at a higher risk than indoor pets. The animals are especially vulnerable to bird flu as they enjoy hunting wild birds from time to time. The flu can also be contracted from eating raw pet food and drinking unpasteurized milk.
Symptoms to be on the lookout for in your pet include: fever, a hard time breathing, red eyes, depression and also neurologic issues like seizures.
'Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death,' the AVMA said in a statement. 'Whether infected cats can infect other cats is currently unclear; however, that possibility cannot be dismissed.'
Owners are also urged to be cautious while living with a sick animal.
Egg prices are surging, so why are chicken prices stable?
'The risk of cat-to-human transmission is considered extremely low, but may increase with prolonged, unprotected exposure to infected animals,' the association said.
At this point there have been no reported incidents of human-to-human transmission and the World Health Organization has not listed the current outbreak as a worldwide health emergency.
The Ohio Department of Health reported the state's first probable human case of the illness two weeks ago.
If you're worried your pet is sick with bird flu, call your veterinarian immediately. Cat owners are asked to keep their pets away from immunocompromised people and monitor other family members for signs the illness has spread.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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