A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about the transmission of bird flu to domestic cats, with potentially fatal consequences. The study, featured in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlighted two case studies from Michigan in May 2024, where infected felines tragically lost their lives.
Both cases involved pet owners who were in close proximity to dairy cattle farms affected by bird flu. The first case involved a five-year-old indoor female cat who displayed symptoms such as loss of appetite, disorientation, and neurological deterioration. Despite receiving emergency care at the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center, the cat’s condition worsened rapidly, leading to euthanasia. Postmortem testing confirmed the cat had contracted bird flu.
In a separate case, a six-month-old male Maine Coon exhibited symptoms like anorexia, facial swelling, and limited movement before succumbing to the virus within 24 hours. The cat’s owner, who regularly handled unpasteurized milk from infected dairy cattle farms, reported not using protective gear and failing to change clothes before entering the home. The owner declined testing for bird flu despite experiencing eye irritation.
The CDC researchers emphasized the importance of farmworkers taking precautions such as removing contaminated clothing and rinsing off residue before entering households to prevent the spread of the virus. Since the outbreak began in 2024, 69 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the US, with one fatality. Experts warn of the potential for the virus to mutate and cause a human pandemic if not contained.
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s skepticism of infectious disease research and vaccines has raised concerns about the government’s response to potential outbreaks. Kennedy has advocated for raw milk consumption, a known vector for bird flu, and questioned the role of germs in causing illness. However, proper hygiene practices and awareness of the risks associated with handling infected animals are crucial in preventing the spread of bird flu to both animals and humans.
The study, titled “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection of Indoor Domestic Cats Within Dairy Industry Worker Households — Michigan, May 2024,” sheds light on the potential risks associated with bird flu transmission to domestic pets. As researchers continue to monitor the situation, it is essential for pet owners and farmworkers to take necessary precautions to prevent further outbreaks and protect both animal and human health.
