Recently, there have been concerning reports about H5N1 bird flu affecting cats. In Washington, two cats tested positive after eating Wild Coast Raw pet food. Unfortunately, one cat had to be euthanized, while the other is receiving veterinary care.
This is part of a larger issue. Earlier this month, some cats in Oregon also tested positive for bird flu after consuming contaminated meat from another raw pet food brand. The U.S. has seen nearly 100 cases of bird flu in domestic cats, many of which have been fatal. Additionally, there is evidence that cats can pass the virus to humans. Just last month, two people in Wyoming and Ohio were hospitalized due to bird flu infections.
Veterinarians like Steve Valeika advise pet owners to take precautions. Keeping cats indoors and preventing dogs from hunting or interacting with birds can help reduce the risk. It’s also important to note that wild rodents near farms have tested positive for H5N1, which raises further concerns.
Since April of last year, bird flu has affected around 70 people in the U.S. and has been responsible for the deaths of at least one person. The outbreak has devastated poultry farms, leading to the loss of nearly 159 million birds. This crisis has contributed to soaring egg prices, impacting consumers across the country.
Experts are worried that if the virus continues to spread among animals, it could eventually mix with seasonal flu strains, potentially leading to a version that spreads easily between humans. A recent study from the CDC shows that this virus can be transmitted from people to their cats, which can have deadly outcomes.
In another part of the world, India is also facing challenges with bird flu. In Madhya Pradesh, three cats were found with the virus, resulting in the closure of a local market and the culling of over 700 chickens to prevent further spread.
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