As the latest bird flu outbreak spreads across the nation, consumers are feeling the impact with rising egg prices. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has made its way into all 50 states and Puerto Rico, affecting over 157 million birds since January 2022.
While the bird flu devastates bird populations, concerns are escalating as the disease jumps to nonavian species, including domestic and wild felines. In a concerning development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discovered bird flu in American dairy cows for the first time in March 2024. By April, a person exposed to infected dairy cows tested positive for the virus, marking a potential case of transmission from mammal to human.
As of February 11, 2025, 68 people in the United States have contracted bird flu, resulting in one fatality since the CDC began reporting human cases in March 2024. With climate change altering bird migration patterns and facilitating disease spread, the current bird flu epidemic demands attention.
While the risk of felines contracting bird flu remains relatively low, actions are needed to safeguard pets and potentially humans. Data analysis shows that most infected domestic cats were feral or lived on dairy farms in close proximity to other animals, suggesting transmission through milk consumption.
To better understand the situation, Meowtel utilized USDA data to assess the risk of bird flu in cats. Although cases are limited, precautions are crucial to prevent infections. Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing risks associated with felines consuming infected raw food products, such as raw meat, unpasteurized milk, and eggs.
Instances of bird flu in cats following the consumption of contaminated products have led to illness and fatalities. Investigations are ongoing to determine how H5N1 entered the pet food supply chain, with the FDA mandating measures for pet food manufacturers to ensure product safety.
Assessing pet food safety and detecting bird flu in cats are crucial tasks for pet owners. Signs of bird flu in cats include fever, respiratory issues, lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, red or inflamed eyes, tremors, and seizures. Though rare in domestic cats, immediate veterinary care is necessary if you suspect bird flu exposure. Isolating infected cats and being cautious around bodily fluids is advised to prevent transmission to other animals or humans. While cats are not significant carriers of bird flu, transmission between cats has occurred in some cases. Avoid raw food and stay informed about product recalls to protect your cat. Keeping pets indoors and limiting exposure to wild animals can also reduce the risk of infection. Facilities housing big cats have experienced bird flu outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of preventing wild bird exposure and implementing strict hygiene measures. By following these precautions, you can safeguard your cat and minimize the spread of bird flu.
The story was first published on Meowtel and created and shared in collaboration with Stacker Studio.
