A feral cat in Hunterdon County has been confirmed to have bird flu, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The cat, which developed severe disease and was euthanized, is the first case of its kind in the state.
Additional testing on other sick-looking cats on the property yielded another feline case, with tests pending for other animals. State officials are working with partners to monitor the spread of the virus and provide public information on mitigating risks.
Cats are particularly susceptible to bird flu, which can be spread through contact with infected birds, contaminated food or water, or exposure to sick animals. The H5N1 strain is widespread in wild birds worldwide and can also infect other animals like dairy cows, rats, and cats.
Clinical signs of bird flu in cats include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and mouth, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, seizures, circling, wobbling gait, and blindness. Human transmission is rare but can occur when infected birds or animals are handled.
Cat owners can take steps to protect themselves and their pets, including keeping cats indoors, avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife, thoroughly washing hands, and changing clothes and shoes after interacting with potentially contaminated animals. If you suspect your cat has bird flu, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Residents should report any sick stray or feral cats to the New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease Service, while wild bird sightings can be reported to the state’s Fish and Wildlife hotline, and poultry sightings can be reported to the Division of Animal Health.
Source: https://www.nj.com/healthfit/2025/02/nj-cat-euthanized-after-bird-flu-infection-pet-owners-warned.html