A nationwide egg shortage has been linked to a bird flu outbreak caused by H5N1, which has infected poultry flocks in every US state and killed over 166 million chickens. The virus is also spreading among cattle, with nearly 1,000 US dairy herds affected. Domestic cats are particularly susceptible to catching the virus, which can be fatal, while backyard chicken-keeping risks driving up cases.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, there have been 115 reported cases of H5N1 in pet cats across 20 states, but experts warn that many cases may go unreported due to high testing costs. The risk of transmission from infected animals to humans is low, with only a handful of reported cases and no human deaths.
To protect their pets, owners are advised to keep them indoors, avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat, and maintain good hygiene when handling birds. Leashed walks for cats and dogs outside can also help reduce the risk of exposure. Backyard chicken owners should limit their chickens’ outdoor time and seek veterinary attention immediately if they notice any illness.
Symptoms of H5N1 in animals include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, runny nose, and tremors, while human cases have primarily been reported among farm laborers working with infected livestock. While the risk to human health is low, experts emphasize the importance of good hygiene practices to prevent transmission.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/pets-and-backyard-flocks-are-at-risk-from-bird-flu-heres-how-to-protect-them