San Mateo County pet owners urged to stay alert after bird flu detected in cat
San Mateo County, California – Health officials in San Mateo County have reported a case of H5N1, also known as bird flu, in a domestic stray cat. This incident has spurred a call to action for pet owners to remain alert and visit their vets should their animals develop symptoms of the disease.
Originally taken in by a family in Half Moon Bay, the sick cat—a stray—started showing symptoms of the disease and was later seen by the veterinarians at Peninsula Humane Society. The cat was euthanized because of its severe state after testing and proved to have H5N1. This case marks a rare instance of bird flu detected in a domestic cat and raises questions about how the animal became infected.
Health professionals believe that cats might get bird flu from eating raw food, coming into contact with virus-contaminated surroundings, or ingesting sick birds. Especially pets with outside access are at higher risk of such diseases.
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Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that there is extremely little chance of cats passing H5N1 to people, theoretically it is plausible. Although no human cases connected to this specific incident have been recorded, the circumstance emphasizes the need of early actions to stop the virus from spreading.
Though they can vary, pet H5N1 symptoms usually consist of a decrease of appetite, lethargy, fever, and more serious neurological manifestations like circling, tremor, seizures, or even blindness. Should the infection advance, it can cause extreme sadness, nose or eye discharge, and other respiratory symptoms such sneezing and coughing or shallow, quick breathing. The illness can strike quickly and frequently results in death.
“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 in a news release. “If your pet is sick, your veterinarian can determine whether it should be tested for bird flu or any other virus or disease.”
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Residents are advised to monitor their pets closely, especially if they have been exposed to potentially infected wild birds or poultry. If pets show any symptoms of disease that would fit the description of avian flu, it is imperative to see a veterinarian right away and monitor one’s own health for any fever or respiratory infection.
This case has raised awareness of the link between domestic animals and wildlife diseases, therefore stressing the need of pet owners in the area being alert.
