(NewsNation) — Veterinarians across the nation are sounding the alarm about increasing HFN1 infections in our feline friends.
In late December, an Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide.
The disease has been present in wild birds — including chickens and turkeys — and other animals for years, with bird flu cases confirmed in dairy cattle this past March.
The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly mild illnesses in people in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms. When the virus is found, every bird on a farm is killed to limit the spread of the disease.
Can pets get bird flu? How?
Yes. While infections are rare, cats are susceptible to bird flu, especially if they are in contact with infected birds or products, including dairy.
Cats can also be infected by exposure to people who work on farms where there is an outbreak, including their clothing and belongings, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dogs seem to be less vulnerable than cats, but they should eat only thoroughly cooked foods, Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told The Associated Press.
Protecting cats from bird flu
The best way to keep your furry friend safe is to avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products to the animal.
Best practice is to keep cats inside to lessen exposure to birds and other wildlife. To keep both you and your pet healthy, wash hands after handling raw meat, wildlife or your cat.
Bird flu symptoms in cats
In cats, bird flu presents with neurological symptoms alongside respiratory troubles, the AVMA says.
Look out for:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Tremors, seizures, blindness and ataxia
- Severe depression
- Sneezing or coughing
If you suspect your pet has bird flu, immediately call your vet and separate the pet from immunocompromised family members or animals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
