Avian influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle was passed to 12 out of 24 farm cats in raw milk and through direct contact on a single Texas farm and the effect was devasting (see quote below).
RELATED: avian flu H5N1
Avian influenza, often termed “highly pathogenic,” particularly refers to strains of the virus that are lethal to chickens. The transmission of the disease from cattle to domestic cats, including all cats that interact with cattle, can occur through various pathways. One such route is the consumption of contaminated milk, specifically when domestic cats are fed raw, unpasteurized colostrum and milk from cows that are affected. This can lead to the development of fatal systemic influenza in cats, essentially resulting in their death. It is presumed that the virus enters the cats’ bodies through the ingestion of this contaminated milk.
“On March 16, cows on a Texas dairy farm began showing symptoms of a mysterious illness now known to be H5N1 bird flu…..The next day, cats on the farm that had consumed some of the raw milk from the sick cows also became ill. While the cows would go on to largely recover, the cats weren’t so lucky. They developed depressed mental states, stiff body movements, loss of coordination, circling, copious discharge from their eyes and noses, and blindness. By March 20, over half of the farm’s 24 or so cats died from the flu.”
ARS Technica
Direct contact is another mode of transmission for avian influenza A(H5N1) from cattle to cats. This may happen when a cat closely interacts with an infected animal, through activities like grooming or sharing close quarters.
The transportation of infected cows across the country or state contributes to the spread of disease among cattle in various locations. The influenza virus’s capability to transmit between cattle and cats indicates its zoonotic nature, implying the disease can be transmitted between different species.
The FDA has assured the public of the safety of commercial milk but the presence of this virus in raw milk highlights the need for vigilance.
In summary, close contact, consumption of contaminated milk, and potential transmission via infected cows are the key mechanisms through which this disease can spread from cows to cats. Continued surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in domestic animals is crucial to prevent cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission.
The study is called “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Domestic Dairy Cattle and Cats, United States, 2024”. The date of publication is July 2024 which is yet to arrive! It is, though, very recent making it more important to be vigilant and to treat this report with seriousness.
Citation for this study
Burrough ER, Magstadt DR, Petersen B, Timmermans SJ, Gauger PC, Zhang J, et al. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in domestic dairy cattle and cats, United States, 2024. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Jul [date cited]. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3007.240508.
How can cat owners protect their pets from avian influenza?
Clearly on farms, barn cats should not have direct contact with cattle and neither should they be given raw milk from the cattle.
Some more:
To safeguard your beloved feline companions from avian influenza (bird flu), consider the following precautions:
Keep Cats Indoors: Especially during periods when bird flu outbreaks are prevalent, keep your cats indoors. Sick birds are easier to catch, and minimizing outdoor exposure reduces the risk of infection.
Regular Vaccinations: While there are currently no widely available vaccines specifically for HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) H5N1 in pets, regular vaccinations for other common diseases can help maintain overall health and bolster their immune system.
Hygiene Practices:
Avoid Direct Contact: Prevent your cats from having close contact with wild birds. This includes avoiding dead or sick wild birds, as they may carry the virus.
Cleanliness: Ensure that surfaces your cat comes in contact with are disinfected using standard household cleaners.
Pet Food: Refrain from feeding your pet non-commercial raw poultry meat, game bird, wildfowl, or other wild bird meat. Commercial pet food formulated for your specific type of pet is the most appropriate diet.
Handling Raw Pet Food: Be cautious with pet food, including chews or treats, made from raw meat or unprocessed animal products. These can pose animal and public health risks.
Veterinary Consultation: If your pet is sick, inform your vet about any contact with wild birds or consumption of raw meat or treats.
Protecting Working Dogs: If your dogs work on shoots or come into contact with infected wild birds (including released game birds), consult your vet for advice on minimizing risks.
To prevent the spread of bird flu among poultry and other captive birds, it’s crucial to take proactive measures. Ensure that other pets are kept distant from where your birds reside, as they could have encountered infected wild birds or contaminated environments. Regularly inspect their paws and fur for signs of bird droppings or feathers. Adhere to any directives or advice provided by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in regions where bird flu cases have been verified.
RELATED: Bird flu ravaging birds in northern hemisphere (and it can be transmitted to pets and people)
