Two pet cats in New York City have died from bird flu, officials said Friday. The virus, which has spread to birds, cattle, and other animals nationwide, poses a low risk to the general public, health authorities claim.
The cats’ source of infection remains unknown, but possible routes include unpasteurized milk, infected food, or exposure to infected birds. The discovery raises concerns in a city with hundreds of thousands of pet and feral cats, despite the immediate threat to humans remaining low.
Since 2022, over 100 domestic cats have been infected with bird flu nationwide. In New York State, wild mammals like foxes and squirrels have also fallen ill. The virus has killed birds, poultry, and even zoo animals in NYC.
Public health experts fear that if the H5N1 virus spreads widely among mammals, it could mutate into a more contagious form for humans. This is because domestic cats may play a key role in its evolution. In past outbreaks, such viruses have been deadly, but recent cases related to H5N1 have proven milder.
The NYC Department of Health is investigating the cats’ infection. One cat was owned by a veterinarian and tested positive for H5N1. Further testing is needed to confirm the second cat’s diagnosis.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/nyregion/pet-cats-bird-flu-new-york-city.html