Avian influenza is a real risk to cats across the U.S., including in the Greater New Orleans area, cautions local animal welfare organization SpayMart.
SpayMart staff attended a recent presentation on the virus given by the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program. Lead presenter Dr. Cynda Crawford, the discoverer of the canine influenza virus, and Dr. Julie Levy, director of the UF Shelter Medicine Program, outlined the dangers to cats and what cat owners can do to protect them.
What Are the Symptoms of H5N1 in Cats?
Cats infected with H5N1 avian influenza can develop severe and often fatal illness. Symptoms include:
- Neurological signs: Disorientation, wobbling, blindness, circling, seizures, or paralysis
- Respiratory distress: Coughing, nasal discharge, open-mouth breathing, or difficulty breathing
- Sudden death with no prior signs of illness in some cases
Protecting Your Cat from Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Because the virus is spread by birds, exposure to droppings from wild birds as well as farmed or backyard poultry puts them at risk. Cats can also be infected from hunting infected birds or rodents. For this reason, SpayMart president Lynn Chiche recommends all pet cats be kept indoors.
Even indoor cats are at risk if they are fed raw poultry-based diets or unpasteurized dairy products. The virus has also been detected in pet and working cats living on farms with infected poultry or dairy cattle.
Dr. Crawford hit hard on the recommendation that cats not be fed any raw meat or dairy products. She pointed out that live H5N1 virus has been found in raw commercial pet food and some cats have died from this exposure. She also warned, “Freeze drying does not kill virus.”
Transmission of the Virus
There is no evidence of cat-to-cat transmission in the U.S. “There is also no evidence for cat-to-human spread, but this is a possibility that is being closely monitored around the world,” Dr. Crawford said. “One person in Louisiana has died of H5N1 flu acquired from infected birds in his backyard flock.”
Stay Informed
H5N1 is an evolving situation, and new information emerges regularly. Stay up to date with guidance from veterinary professionals and trusted animal welfare organizations. If you suspect your cat may have been exposed or is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
For more information and the latest updates, visit the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program avian influenza resource center. Keeping our pets safe starts with staying informed!