A recent investigation has found that two severe H5N1 illnesses in indoor cats may have been caused by symptomatic dairy workers who came into contact with infected cattle or contaminated milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the findings in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The cats, from different households, developed respiratory and neurologic symptoms in May 2024 and were found to have the B3.13 genotype, which is circulating in cattle. Dairy workers who worked on farms with outbreaks of H5N1 had earlier symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and some experienced eye irritation or splashes in their eyes.
The CDC recommends that veterinarians in affected states test for influenza A and wear personal protective equipment when evaluating sick pet cats. They also urge veterinarians to report suspected cases to public and animal health officials.
Meanwhile, Ohio is battling the nation’s worst avian flu outbreak, with three more highly pathogenic detections confirmed in the state. The outbreaks have led to the loss of over 9 million birds and have affected 54 commercial flocks. County commissioners are seeking additional support from the state and federal governments to help contain the outbreaks.
In response, Nevada has temporarily suspended a law limiting the sale of retail eggs, allowing retailers to source eggs from any producer that meets food safety guidelines. New York has also introduced new testing requirements for all poultry entering live-bird markets.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/michigan-cats-may-have-caught-h5n1-dairy-workers-ohio-counties-declare