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#USA, After #Birdflu Detected in Local #Cat, County #Health Officials Say #Pet Owners Should Contact Veterinarian When Their Pets are Sick

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By G.M.

Redwood City — State veterinary and health officials have confirmed a case of H5N1 (bird flu) in a domestic stray cat in San Mateo County. 

The infection, which is not related to the recent instance of bird flu in a backyard flock, was found in a stray cat in Half Moon Bay that had been taken in by a family. 

When it showed symptoms, they took it to Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined it and requested testing. Lab results confirmed H5N1. 

It is not known how the cat was infected and it was euthanized due to its condition.

Cats may be exposed to bird flu by consuming infected bird, being in environments contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows or raw food. Inside domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that go outside are also at risk of infection.​​​​​​​

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is extremely low, though it is possible for cats to spread some strains of bird flu to people.

While there are no human cases of H5N1 related to this case, this detection in a cat highlights the importance of being proactive about preventing the spread of the virus.

Residents whose pets show signs of illness should contact their veterinarian.

Pets infected with H5N1 may experience a loss of appetite, lethargy and fever, along with neurologic signs, including circling, tremors, seizures or blindness. The illness may quickly progress to:

-- Severe depression

-- Discharge from eyes or nose

-- Other respiratory signs, such as rapid shallow breathing, difficulty breathing and sneezing or coughing

-- Pets with severe illness may die.

If a pet is showing signs of illness consistent with bird flu and has been exposed to infected (sick or dead) wild birds or poultry, residents should contact a veterinarian and monitor their own health for signs of fever or infection.

“We all want to make sure our companion animals are healthy and safe from disease,” said Lori Morton-Feazell, San Mateo County’s chief of Animal Control and Licensing. “If your pet is sick, your veterinarian can determine whether it should be tested for bird flu or any other virus or disease.”

(...)

Source: County of San Mateo, https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/after-bird-flu-detected-local-cat-county-health-officials-say-pet-owners-should-contact

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