Govind Tekale
A dangerous bird virus is now spreading to cats across America. Recent deaths of pet cats and warnings about stray cats have put health officials on high alert.
In Michigan, two house cats died after getting bird flu, known as H5N1. Both cats lived indoors and never went outside. Their owners worked with dairy cows, showing how the virus can spread in unexpected ways.
Research shows this virus typically affects birds, but recent cases prove it can infect mammals like cats through various transmission routes, according to the CDC study.
In New York City, where about 500,000 stray cats roam the streets, the situation looks serious. Regina Massaro, who helps stray cats in Queens, sees the danger firsthand. “Cats hunt birds – that’s what they do,” she explains. “If those birds have the virus, the cats can get sick.”
The numbers tell a troubling story. New York has seen nearly 2,000 infected birds this year alone. That’s almost half the number from the past two years combined. The virus has already killed ducks and owls in city zoos.
When cats get this flu, they show clear signs of illness. They might stop eating, have trouble breathing, or seem confused. In Michigan, one cat got so sick it died within 24 hours. The other cat needed to be put down after four days of severe illness.
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The Michigan cases revealed new transmission patterns. One owner transported raw milk from dairy farms. The cat liked to roll in the owner’s work clothes, which often had milk splashes. The milk came from farms where animals had the virus.
Dr. Stephanie Janeczko from the ASPCA notes that cats face higher risks if they:
- Live near farms with chickens or cows
- Eat raw meat or drink unpasteurized milk
- Come in contact with wild birds, especially ducks
In response to the outbreak, New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul closed live poultry markets in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. The CDC advises dairy workers to wear protective equipment when handling exposed animals.
While the CDC confirms that cat-to-human transmission is rare, monitoring continues as the virus spreads to new species. Dr. Kristen Coleman emphasizes that “Pet owners should not have to rely on postmortem sampling to get a diagnosis.”
As health officials track the virus’s spread between different species, both pet owners and workers in affected industries need to stay informed about protection measures.
