Key Warning for Pet Owners: Avian influenza can be life-threatening in felines, with authorities on two continents now issuing urgent advisories.
A cat rescue organization in Western Australia and state agriculture officials in Washington, USA, have separately issued advisories regarding confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic cats.
Cases Confirmed in Australia and the United States
In Western Australia, 9 Lives Cat Rescue issued a biosecurity alert following the detection of two bird flu cases in the state.
In the United States, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed the presence of HPAI H5 in a domestic cat in Grant County. The cat, which had contact with a deceased wild bird, has since died. This is the first confirmed case in Washington linked to exposure to an infected wild bird.
The Grant County Health District is collaborating with the pet owners, the WSDA, and the Washington State Department of Health to provide guidance and preventive treatment to individuals who had contact with the cat. No human infections have been associated with this specific case.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Avian influenza primarily affects birds but can infect other animals, including cats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. Sources state that cats can become infected through contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or raw infected poultry products.
Dr. Amber Itle, WSDA State Veterinarian, noted that as migratory birds overwinter in Washington, the concentration of avian influenza virus increases, raising the risk of environmental contamination and spillover into domestic poultry, wild predatory species, and outdoor domestic cats.
Preventative Measures for Pet Owners
Authorities have advised the following precautions to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Keep cats indoors or in safely enclosed areas.
- Keep cats away from birds.
- Avoid contact with wild birds.
- Avoid feeding pets raw milk, undercooked meat, or uncooked meat.
- Wash hands after handling animals outside the household or in areas with many birds.
- Check for bird faeces on shoes or clothing before entering the home.
Background and Broader Context
The World Organisation of Animal Health has stated bird flu can be life-threatening in felines. The first documented case of a household pet contracting the H5 virus occurred in Thailand in 2004, with domestic cats and dogs dying from eating contaminated bird meat.
Since the avian influenza outbreak began in 2022, 149 domestic cats in the United States have tested positive for bird flu. Four of these cases in Washington were previously linked to contaminated raw pet food.
Symptoms and Reporting
Symptoms of HPAI in pets can include:
- Decreased energy
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological signs
Pet owners are advised to contact a veterinarian if they observe these signs of illness.
The public is advised not to touch or handle sick or dead birds. In Australia, the public should report them to the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.