Veterinarians are expressing growing concern about the spread of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, to cats. While cases remain relatively limited, several instances have been reported across the US, including fatalities at a zoo in Arizona. Experts advise cat owners to take precautions such as keeping their pets indoors and avoiding raw pet food products.
As avian influenza, also known as bird flu, continues to spread, some veterinarians are starting to voice concerns over the virus' impact on cats.According to officials with USDA, there were nine positive cases involving cats in December 2024 across the country. In Arizona, the virus killed five animals at Wildlife World Zoo, including a cheetah, mountain lion, and three kinds of birds.Veterinarians say cats are more at risk of the virus.
Brian Serbin says cats are more at risk of contracting the virus because of their predatory instincts. 'Especially outdoor cats that tend to hunt birds,' said Serbin.Serbin, who is the Medical Director for Ingleside Animal Hospital in Phoenix, is also calling for calm. He said so far, neither he nor any vet reporting to the Arizona Board of Veterinary Medicine have seen any infected cats nor dogs.'At this point, we don’t think it’s a widespread problem. Just take the proper precautions,' said Serbin. 'The recommendation is to keep your cats indoors, if possible.'While Arizona has yet to see any confirmed reports of pet infection, there are several house cats in California's Los Angeles County that tested positive after eating raw pet food products. Health officials there have issued a warning to cat owners, asking them to avoid any products with raw milk or raw meat. Serbin is urging cat owners to take the same advice.Serbin also suggests that pet owners take their pets to the vet immediately if they start acting seriously ill.'The bottom line is if you have any pet that’s not acting right - that is not feeling well - lethargic, especially showing neurological signs, you should contact your veterinarian and have your pet examined,' said Serbin.According to the Mayo Clinic, bird flu is caused by influenza type A virus infections in bird species.Per the website, birds could die from avian influenza in very serious case
AVIAR INFLUENZA BIRD FLU CATS HEALTH CONCERNS PRECAUTIONS
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